FALSE - Troost-Ekong debunks claims Super Eagles made ‘SPECIAL’ demands in clear-the-air statement

Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has publicly dismissed reports suggesting the Nigerian national team made "special demands" in camp, clarifying that the current unrest is focused solely on resolving legitimate, outstanding payments.

The defender's statement comes in the wake of mounting tension within the squad's camp in Morocco, where the team's preparations for a crucial World Cup qualifying playoff were reportedly disrupted by a player protest over unpaid bonuses.

Using his social media account, Troost-Ekong moved to address conflicting narratives surrounding the dispute. He specifically quoted a post by BBC reporter Oluwashina Okeleji, adding a clear-the-air comment:

"Any other statement/claim or eSPECIALly demands other than the rightful request written about below is FALSE. All we want and continue to do is focus on the big games ahead."

This forcefully refutes reports that had emerged suggesting the players had made entirely new or "special" demands related to the current playoff campaign. 

The captain's comment firmly directs the focus back to the team's "rightful request" for outstanding financial obligations.

As initially reported by Pulse Sports Nigeria, the Super Eagles' camp was thrown into disarray after players and officials reportedly boycotted a scheduled training session on Tuesday. 

The protest was a dramatic move highlighting what have been described as long-standing financial grievances with the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF).

Some of these reported unresolved payment issues are substantial, allegedly including:

• Bonuses for qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

• Payments related to reaching the current World Cup playoff stage.

• Other outstanding payments dating back several years.

A source close to the team noted the full squad and officials' refusal to train, stating that a "quick resolution" was paramount to resuming preparations for the critical match.

The timing of the dispute could not be worse for Nigerian football. The high-stakes drama unfolds less than 48 hours before the decisive playoff match in Rabat against Gabon.

Having failed to secure automatic qualification, this encounter will determine Nigeria's path to the 2026 World Cup. 

The protest has triggered widespread frustration among Nigerian football supporters and media, who have consistently criticised the recurring administrative and financial issues plaguing the national team.

With crucial preparation time lost and team morale shaken, all eyes are now on the NFF to swiftly resolve the conflict before the pivotal match kicks off, allowing the captain and the squad to focus solely on their World Cup mission.