The Super Eagles of Nigeria have failed to train ahead of their second round clash with France on monday, protesting against non-payment of appearance fee, which should be given after qualification to next round. According to reports from Goal, the players asked for a meeting with the team’s management where they requested that their part of the money expected from FIFA for sailing past the first round, be paid them by the Nigerian government. Even though FIFA is yet to release the funds, the players said the Nigeria Football Federation should provide it before they play against France on Monday. Their argument is that if they leave the tournament on Monday, it would be difficult for them to retrieve the money from the NFF. It is a flashback to what happened to the players following conclusion of the 2010 World Cup when the NFF prolonged their appearance fee payment. Coach Stephen Keshi had already come down to the holding area while officials placed medical equipment and water inside the team bus. Soldiers and police officers were on guard to accompany the team to the stadium as fans waited outside to catch a glimpse of the players. Many of them also waited for autographs. However, after an hour, media became worried as the team refused to come out. Media officer Ben Alaiya came out to tell the press that the players were in a meeting and that training might still take place. About 30 minutes later, the security details began to disperse and the team bus was offloaded and parked. Our source, Goal learnt that players were instead going to dinner, meaning there wasn’t going to be training for the night. It could be recalled In 2013, that the Super Eagles threatened to boycott the Confederations Cup over the slash of their win bonus. Nigeria will play France on monday by 5pm, after making their 2nd round appearance in 16 years.
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