Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has stepped in decisively to restore calm in Nigeria’s camp, pledging to personally settle players’ unpaid bonuses if the authorities fail to do so before Saturday.
The development follows days of tension in Marrakesh, where the Super Eagles had boycotted training over outstanding entitlements ahead of their AFCON 2025 quarter final clash against Algeria. Ndidi’s intervention has now paved the way for the team to resume preparations.
Speaking to teammates and coaching staff, the Former Leicester City midfielder made his position clear, stressing that financial issues must not derail Nigeria’s campaign at a critical stage of the tournament.
“I’ve been pushing the team to train and play the game vs Algeria. I’ve been doing this since the second game. I’ve now made a commitment to the staff and players that I’ll personally pay the bonuses if the authority fails to before Saturday,” Ndidi said.
The captain went further, appealing directly to the players to put the situation aside and focus on the task ahead.
“I don’t want these unpaid bonuses to affect our preparations. I told the players and coaching staff that I’d personally make the payments if they don’t get it.”
According to information shared by journalist Oluwashina Okeleji, Ndidi first held discussions with senior members of the squad before addressing the entire team. Since Nigeria’s win over Tunisia, which sealed qualification to the knockout stage, Ndidi and other experienced players have been quietly working to keep the group united and focused despite the off field challenges.
His leadership appears to have had the desired effect, with the Super Eagles now set to return to training in Marrakesh as they prepare for the high stakes encounter against Algeria.
The episode once again underlines the recurring issue of unpaid player entitlements in Nigerian football, but it also highlights Ndidi’s growing stature within the national team. At a moment of uncertainty, the captain chose responsibility and unity, making it clear that the Super Eagles’ AFCON ambition must come first.
