Nigeria Battle Discord Ahead of Algeria Quarterfinal

Nigeria’s preparations for its Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal against Algeria have been dogged by speculation about internal strife involving star striker Victor Osimhen and reports that the players were not being paid their bonuses.

Nigeria coach Eric Chelle would not comment on the reports on Friday, when he said such questions need to be directed to the Nigeria Football Federation.

“This is my job, to stay focused – to try to stay focused – to stay focused about only the pitch (field), and definitely my job is on the pitch, not around,” Chelle said in Marrakesh a day before Nigeria plays Algeria in the city.

The NFF still advertises 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 outlets reported that the players had threatened not to train or travel to Marrakesh for the match unless they were paid agreed bonuses for winning their first four Africa Cup games.

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

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

“I prefer to speak about the (upcoming) game. Victor is there and that’s all,” Chelle said. “Yes, everyone’s speaking about Osimhen and Lookman, it’s normal, they’re the last two best African players, but we’re here to serve them to score, we’re working for them. We’re a team, and that’s what teamwork is all about.”

- News Agencies, Al Jazeera