The report has renewed concerns about payments and player welfare within Nigerian football, with the latest allegations emerging amid separate reports of outstanding bonuses owed to members of the national team.
Nigeria’s latest encounter with Russia took place on 6 October 2026 at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, where Éric Chelle’s depleted side fought back from a two-goal deficit to secure a share of the spoils.
Report alleges outstanding payments from Russia friendlies
According to reports citing SCORENigeria, the players did not receive appearance fees or match bonuses for Nigeria’s two recent meetings with Russia.
The first encounter, played in Moscow on 6 June 2025, ended in a 1-1 draw. Russia took the lead through an own goal by Semi Ajayi before Tolu Arokodare equalised for Nigeria.
Nigeria and Russia met again in October 2026, with the Super Eagles recovering from 3-1 down to draw 3-3.
A report published by THISDAY ahead of the latest fixture said the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) was due to receive $600,000 for the 2026 friendly. It also reported that the federation had received $1.2 million for the 2025 meeting.
Those figures concern payments reportedly made to the federation for the fixtures; they do not establish how the money was subsequently allocated. The allegation that players went unpaid remains a separate issue requiring clarification from the relevant authorities.
Super Eagles produce spirited comeback in Russia
Despite arriving with a heavily depleted squad, Nigeria showed resilience to recover from a difficult position against the hosts.
Kelechi Iheanacho opened the scoring in the 11th minute before Russia fought back to lead 2-1 at half-time. The hosts extended their advantage to 3-1 early in the second half.
Substitute Peter Edokpolor reduced the deficit in the 78th minute, giving Nigeria renewed hope before Akor Adams struck in the fourth minute of stoppage time to complete the comeback.
The performance was particularly notable because Chelle handed international debuts to several players as he assessed the depth of his squad.
However, the result on the pitch has been overshadowed by renewed questions about whether players are receiving the financial entitlements associated with representing the country.
Unpaid AFCON bonus adds to concerns
The latest allegations come amid separate reports that Super Eagles players and officials are still awaiting their bonuses for Nigeria’s third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Sports Village Square reported on 8 October 2026 that the outstanding payment related to the third-place match had become a source of frustration within the team. Its report also cited concerns about changes to allowances and other logistical issues.
These claims have not, in the sources reviewed for this article, established the full status of every outstanding payment or explained the reasons for any delays.
The issues nevertheless place renewed attention on the NFF’s responsibility to communicate clearly with players and ensure that agreed financial commitments are handled transparently.
Calls for clarity over players’ entitlements
The reported non-payment for the Russia friendlies raises questions about the arrangements governing appearance fees, match bonuses and the distribution of funds received for international fixtures.
An official explanation from the NFF would help clarify whether the players were entitled to specific payments for the two matches, what sums remain outstanding and when any confirmed arrears will be settled.
For now, the reported payment dispute remains unresolved publicly. The Super Eagles’ comeback against Russia demonstrated the squad’s fighting spirit, but questions over player welfare continue to demand attention away from the pitch.