NFF, Not Super Eagles, at Fault in Bonuses Dispute, Says Ex-International Kpakor
A former Nigerian international, Moses Kpakor, has defended the Super Eagles’ decision to boycott a training session over unpaid bonuses, asserting that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), not the players, should shoulder the blame for the disruptive pay dispute.
Preparations for a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Gabon were thrown into disarray this week when the national team refused to train in Rabat, Morocco. The protest was triggered by unresolved issues concerning unpaid allowances and special request bonuses, some of which have reportedly been outstanding for nearly two years.
This industrial action stunned many observers, coming after the National Sports Commission had publicly claimed all outstanding payments to the players had been settled.
A Recurring Problem with the Federation
In an exclusive interview, Kpakor, a member of Nigeria’s 1990 Africa Cup of Nations squad, argued that public criticism is misdirected. He insists the NFF must be held accountable for its failure to pay the players their due entitlements.
“The problem is with the NFF. Why not pay the players their bonuses?” Kpakor questioned. “Super Eagles are professionals who play for money. They are not amateur players.”
According to the football legend, who starred for clubs like BCC Lions and Abiola Babes, this is a deep-seated issue. He claims the habit of delaying or withholding player payments dates back to the era of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), the NFF’s predecessor, and continues to plague the team at the most critical moments.
Professionalism, Not a Lack of Patriotism
Kpakor vehemently dismissed any notion that the players’ actions demonstrate disloyalty or a lack of patriotism. He drew a parallel to his own experience with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), which frequently engages in strikes over unpaid government entitlements.
“The case of footballers is not different,” he stated. “The NFF must learn to pay as and when due. By the way, NFF knew they would pay these bonuses. Why didn’t they plan towards it?”
He pointed to top footballing nations like England, Argentina, and Spain, where such payment disputes are rare because federations plan their finances responsibly. The ex-international suggested the aggrieved players have likely learned from the “unpalatable experiences” of their predecessors, who lost significant earnings because they did not stand up for their rights.
“Please no one should accuse the players of lack of loyalty or patriotism,” Kpakor appealed. “Over the years, some of us have lost our money to the NFF. I can’t support the federation against the players who are fighting for their rights.”
Timing of the Protest Defended
Addressing criticism that the players chose a poor moment for their protest, just hours before a vital World Cup qualifier, Kpakor was unequivocal. He argued that nobody can dictate when professionals should fight for what is rightfully theirs.
“Those who are saying the Super Eagles didn’t time their action very well are not being fair to them,” he concluded. “Professionals work for money. There should be no sentiments. It has nothing to do with patriotism.”
As the kickoff for the must-win match drew nearer, the NFF had yet to issue an official statement on the embarrassing situation. However, a resolution appeared to be reached shortly after, with the Super Eagles’ Media Officer, Promise Efoghe, announcing tersely: “Issues resolved. Super Eagles to train at 5pm.”
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