2026 WCQ Playoff: ‘A Real Shame’ – Troy Deeney Slams Nigeria Over Bonus Issues

Former Premier League striker Troy Deeney has described the ongoing dispute over match bonuses between the Super Eagles and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) as a real shame.

The participation of Nigeria in the 2026 World Cup qualifying playoff was thrown into doubt on Tuesday after it became public that the team refused to train as a way of protest over their unpaid match bonuses.

However, a statement came out from the team on Wednesday afternoon confirming that every issue has been resolved and that the players are in a good mood for Thursday’s encounter.

Deeney lamented the timing of such distractions, noting that this was neither the first, second nor the third time off-field issues like this would spring up during crucial moments in Nigerian football.

“It’s a real shame because it’s a huge moment in the World Cup qualifiers and we are now talking about off-the-pitch stuff again.

“It’s not the first time, not the second time,” Deeney told CBS Sports Golazo.

Nigeria will face either Cameroon or DR Congo if they are able to beat Gabon in the first semi-final game in Rabat on Thursday.

Cameroon will play DR Congo in the other game later in the evening.