Okocha on Nigeria's Bonus Crisis: "Players Know That Once They Leave Morocco, They Might Not Get the Money" - Elbotola
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Okocha on Nigeria's Bonus Crisis: "Players Know That Once They Leave Morocco, They Might Not Get the Money"

Okocha on Nigeria's Bonus Crisis: "Players Know That Once They Leave Morocco, They Might Not Get the Money"

11 January 2026at22:09

Former Nigeria star Jay-Jay Okocha has defended the "Super Eagles" players, understanding the reason behind their one-day training strike before facing Algeria in the Africa Cup of Nations "Morocco 2025" quarter-finals.

The Nigerian players had refused to train and threatened not to travel to Marrakesh for the match against Algeria until Nigerian authorities intervened and promised to disburse their bonuses by the end of the current week.

Speaking to the "clutch9" channel on YouTube, Okocha stated: "Players know that once they leave Morocco, they might not get the money."

He concluded by explaining his viewpoint: "That's why they are trying to get their unpaid bonuses before moving on to the next game."

It is worth noting that the Moroccan national team will face their Nigerian counterparts in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals next Wednesday (21:00 GMT+1) at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

Why did Nigeria's Super Eagles go on strike before the AFCON quarter-finals?

The Super Eagles staged a one-day training strike over unpaid bonuses, fearing they wouldn't receive their money once they left Morocco. This action occurred before their Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final match.

What did Jay-Jay Okocha say about the Nigerian players' bonus dispute?

Jay-Jay Okocha defended the Super Eagles, stating players know they might not get their bonuses once they leave Morocco. He explained this fear drives them to secure payments before moving to the next game.
Morocco
Nigeria
CAF Africa Cup of Nations

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