{"id":19815,"date":"2026-01-09T19:46:31","date_gmt":"2026-01-09T19:46:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2026\/01\/09\/nigeria-address-reports-of-unpaid-bonuses-and-osimhen-altercation-ahead-of-africa-cup-match-against-algeria\/"},"modified":"2026-01-09T19:46:31","modified_gmt":"2026-01-09T19:46:31","slug":"nigeria-address-reports-of-unpaid-bonuses-and-osimhen-altercation-ahead-of-africa-cup-match-against-algeria","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2026\/01\/09\/nigeria-address-reports-of-unpaid-bonuses-and-osimhen-altercation-ahead-of-africa-cup-match-against-algeria\/","title":{"rendered":"Nigeria address reports of unpaid bonuses and Osimhen altercation ahead of Africa Cup match against Algeria"},"content":{"rendered":"


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RABAT, Morocco (AP) – Nigeria’s preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final against Algeria have been hampered by speculation about infighting over star striker Victor Osimhen and reports that players have not been paid bonuses.<\/p>\n

Nigeria coach Eric Schell did not comment on Friday’s reports, saying such questions should be referred to the Nigeria Football Federation.<\/p>\n

“This is my job: to stay focused, to try to stay focused, to stay focused only on the pitch (field), definitely my job is on the pitch and not around it,” Shell said in Marrakech, the day before Nigeria’s match against Algeria.<\/p>\n

NFF We are still hiring<\/span> One year and one day after becoming the head coach of the men’s team appointed shell<\/span> up to the position.<\/p>\n

Nigerian media reported that the players had threatened not to practice or travel to Marrakech for the match unless they were paid an agreed bonus if they won the first four games of the African Cup.<\/p>\n

The team arrived in Marrakech on Thursday and held their first training session there on the same day. Shell said he would train again later Friday.<\/p>\n

Shell declined to comment on reports that Osimhen was on the verge of leaving the team after an on-field altercation with teammate Ademola Lookman during the match. Super Eagles beat Mozambique 4-0<\/span> in the last 16 on Monday.<\/p>\n

“I prefer to talk about the (upcoming) games. Victor is there, that’s all,” Schell said. “Yes, everyone is talking about Osimhen and Lookman, that is normal. They are the last two best African players, but we are here to score for them and we are working for them. We are a team and it is all about teamwork.”<\/p>\n

Osimhen scored both of Lookman’s goals in this game, but was apparently furious that Lookman tried to score without setting up another goal.<\/p>\n

Asked about it after the game, Lookman said it was “just football” and downplayed the argument when he called Osimhen his “little brother”.<\/p>\n

Later, Lookman also posted a photo. on social media<\/span> He posted a picture of him celebrating with Osimhen with the caption, “Always together.”<\/p>\n

Nigeria, Lost to Ivory Coast in the final<\/span> He is aiming to win the title for the fourth time in the last tournament. This will help make up for the disappointment of not qualifying for the World Cup.<\/p>\n

Algeria’s two titles have both come with wins over Nigeria along the way, twice in 1990 and another in the semi-finals in 2019.<\/p>\n

___<\/p>\n

Associated Press at the Africa Cup: https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/africa-cup-of-nations<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n


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