National Embarrassment: Peter Obi Slams Tinubu Over Unpaid Super Eagles’ Bonuses Amid World Cup Turmoil

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has launched a blistering attack on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, condemning its alleged failure to pay the Super Eagles’ allowances — a development that has sparked widespread anger and embarrassment for Africa’s most populous nation.

In a statement shared on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Wednesday, Obi described the situation as “truly unfortunate,” saying it reflects the government’s “gross misplacement of priorities” and the moral decay in public leadership.

> “It is truly unfortunate that our Super Eagles, who consistently give their best in representing our dear nation, are being owed their allowances,” Obi lamented.

He accused the Tinubu administration of indulging in “needless lavish spending and political patronage” while neglecting the nation’s sporting ambassadors who continue to bring glory to Nigeria on the international stage.

> “We always seem to find money to waste on political patronage and luxury, yet we cannot pay those who patriotically raise our flag and serve with honour. That is what defines a now disgraced country,” Obi said.

The former Anambra governor warned that such neglect of national heroes sends a dangerous signal to young Nigerians, discouraging patriotism and undermining national morale.

> “When those who serve their country are not treated with dignity, it tells our youth that honesty and hard work do not pay. That is how nations lose their values and their soul,” he added.

Obi urged the federal government and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to act swiftly, stressing that “those who represent Nigeria deserve prompt payment and utmost respect.”

It was earlier reported that Nigeria’s preparations for Thursday’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Gabon have been thrown into chaos as Super Eagles players and officials boycotted training in Rabat, Morocco, over unpaid bonuses and allowances reportedly owed since 2023.

Renowned sports journalist Pooja Media, reporting live from Morocco, confirmed the shocking development via X, writing:

> “BREAKING NEWS: Super Eagles players & officials boycott training today in Morocco because of unresolved issues with outstanding payments. This is really sad.”

In a follow-up post, he disclosed that the financial dispute dates back nearly two years, heightening concerns about the NFF’s transparency and financial management.

The turmoil worsened after midfielder Alex Iwobi posted a short viral video revealing the poor lodging conditions of the team in Morocco. The eight-second clip, filmed from his hotel room window, showed a dilapidated compound and unkempt surroundings — a scene that has provoked national outrage among fans who accused the NFF of “criminal neglect.”

The Super Eagles had opened their training camp in Rabat on Sunday, with players such as Calvin Bassey, Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, and Olakunle Olusegun among the early arrivals. However, the training boycott has now cast a shadow over Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

As of press time, the Nigeria Football Federation had yet to issue any official statement clarifying when the outstanding payments will be made or addressing the players’ grievances.

Nigeria is set to face Gabon on Thursday in a do-or-die clash that will determine who advances to the African playoff final against Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo on November 16.

But with morale at its lowest and confidence shattered, analysts fear that what should have been a moment of national pride could instead become another chapter in Nigeria’s tale of mismanagement and misplaced priorities.