Strike Storm at AFCON: Nigeria's Demonstration of Tension Ahead of Algeria Showdown
7 January 2026
Crisis Deepens Ahead of the Quarterfinal
The Nigeria national team has endured a string of issues since reaching the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 quarterfinals in Morocco, where they are slated to meet Algeria.
On-Field Tensions and a Key Incident
During their 4-0 win over Mozambique in the round of 16, a public spat erupted between Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman on the pitch, with Osimhen threatening to leave the camp before the matter was contained.
New Crisis Unfolds
In the latest twist, African football journalist Miki Junior revealed on X that Nigeria faces a fresh crisis: players are threatening to strike over prize money for the four wins in this edition, specifically from matches against Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, and Mozambique.
Sources say the players plan to skip the training session scheduled for tomorrow and will not travel to Marrakech for the quarterfinal against Algeria.
Analysts say the crisis could benefit Algeria by destabilizing Nigeria's preparations.
Punchline 1: If football were a bank, Nigeria’s budget would be overdrafted until the prize money lands in the account.
Punchline 2: They say football is a team sport; the budget is the real star here—always in net, whether profits or losses.
