Nigeria faces unpaid bonuses and Osimhen spat ahead of AFCON quarter-final with Algeria – Reports

Nigeria’s preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final against Algeria have been dogged by speculation about internal conflict surrounding star striker Victor Osimhen and reports that players were not paid their bonuses.

Nigeria coach Eric Chelle declined to comment on the reports on Friday when he said such questions should be directed to the Nigeria Football Federation.

“This is my job, to stay focused – to try to stay focused – to stay focused on just the pitch, and certainly my job is on the pitch, not around it,” Chelle said in Marrakech, a day before Nigeria play Algeria in the city.

The NFF is still advertising a vacancy for the position of head coach of the men’s team, a year and a day after it appointed Chelle to the position.

Nigerian media reported that the players had threatened not to train or travel to Marrakech for the match unless they received agreed bonuses for winning their first four Africa Cup of Nations matches.

The team arrived in Marrakech on Thursday and had its first training there the same day. Chelle said they would train again later Friday.

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Chelle declined to comment on reports that Osimhen was on the verge of quitting the team after an on-pitch altercation with teammate Ademola Lookman during the Super Eagles’ 4-0 win over Mozambique in the last 16 on Monday.

«I’d rather talk about the (upcoming) match. Victor is there and that’s it,» Chelle said. «Yes, everyone is talking about Osimhen and Lookman. It’s normal. They are the last two best African players, but we are here to serve them and score. We work for them. We are a team, and that is what teamwork is all about.»

Osimhen scored two goals in that match, with Lookman involved in both, but was apparently furious when Lookman tried to score instead of setting him up for another.

Lookman played down the argument when asked about it after the match, saying it was ‘just football’ and calling Osimhen his ‘brother’.

Lookman then also posted photos on social media of him celebrating with Osimhen with the caption «always together.»

Nigeria, which lost the final to Ivory Coast last edition, is competing to win the title for the fourth time. It would help offset the disappointment of not qualifying for the World Cup.

Both of Algeria’s titles included wins over Nigeria along the way – twice in 1990 and again in the semi-finals in 2019.

Published on January 9, 2026