Former Super Eagles striker, Odion Jude Ighalo has weighed in on the bonus controversy that rocked Nigeria’s camp at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, firmly dismissing claims that the players ever planned to boycott their quarter-final clash against Algeria.
According to Ighalo, the reported threat to stay away from the match was never about refusing to play, but rather a pressure tactic to compel football authorities to honour promises already made to the players.
“They Did Their Job, So They Have to Get Paid” – Ighalo
Speaking candidly, the former Manchester United forward argued that the Super Eagles had fully earned their bonuses through performance and commitment on the pitch.
“They did their job, so they have to get paid,” Ighalo said.
“They are in the quarter finals, so you have to show appreciation for the work they’ve done to give them a boost.”
“That’s instant encouragement.”
Ighalo made it clear that failure to pay agreed bonuses turns encouragement into obligation.
“But if you promise people and you don’t pay, it becomes a debt,” he added.
Players Showed Patience Despite Repeated Delays
The former striker explained that the players had remained professional and patient even as payments were repeatedly delayed throughout the tournament.
“They worked hard for it. You promised them, they won and you didn’t pay,” Ighalo said.
“They were patient, they won again and remained patient. Now they are just asking for what they were promised.”
“This Is a Big Game – They Will Never Go on Strike”
Ighalo strongly dismissed suggestions that the Super Eagles would risk abandoning such a crucial fixture, emphasizing that the magnitude of the quarter-final made any boycott unthinkable.
“I know they are not going to stop playing. They are not going on strike,” he stated.
“They just want to put pressure on the FA to release the money.”
“This is a big game — they will never go on strike. Nigerians won’t even allow that,” Ighalo said.
Read More: EXPOSED: What Transpired Between Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman
Read More: “I Will Pay” – Captain Ndidi Takes Responsibility as Super Eagles Camp Faces Bonus Turmoil
Read More: BREAKING: Super Eagles Boycott Travel and Training Over Unpaid Bonuses Ahead of Algeria Clash
Bonus Protest Delayed Travel to Marrakesh
Ighalo’s comments follow reports that unpaid bonuses led to a temporary protest by players, which delayed the team’s travel to Marrakesh ahead of the quarter-final against Algeria.
The Super Eagles eventually traveled a day later after receiving assurances from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the National Sports Commission (NSC) that all outstanding bonuses would be settled on Saturday.
Ighalo, who represented Nigeria at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations and finished the tournament as top scorer, spoke from personal experience, offering context to a recurring issue in Nigerian football.
His intervention may in one way or the other, helped calm tensions, reframing the situation not as indiscipline or rebellion, but as a legitimate demand for accountability and respect for players who have delivered on the biggest stage.
