Nigeria’s preparations for the June 30 Brazil 2014 World Cup second round clash with France have run into a hitch after the players boycotted training yesterday evening in a row over bonus money.

A BBC report says the players took the action after each of them was underpaid by $15,000 of what they were expecting for reaching the last 16 in Brazil.

“They refused to train in Campinas on Thursday and officials later confirmed the session had been cancelled,” the report says.

Nigeria are scheduled to play France in the knockout stages on Monday having finished as runners-up in Group F.

Coach Stephen Keshi had yesterday expressed displeasure over reports in the Nigerian media on the bonus row, claiming that there was nothing of such – only for the players’ strike to confirm the veracity of the reports.

The problem, according to BBC Sport, “lies in the interpretation of the bonus structure, with the players believing they will only receive $10,000 for their win 1-0 over Bosnia-Herzegovina and $5,000 for the 0-0 draw with Iran.

“The players’ understanding was they would receive a $30,000 payment for qualifying from the group.

“However, it is believed the Nigerian Football Federation’s offer to the players includes the agreed win and draw bonuses plus 30% of the prize money due from FIFA for reaching the knockout stage.

“This is understood to rise to 40% of the prize money from FIFA if Nigeria were to win their round of 16 match, 50% for a quarter-final victory, 60% for a win in the semi-final stage and 70% for lifting the trophy.

“While all parties work to find a resolution to the misunderstanding, coach Stephen Keshi has insisted it will not affect the team’s performance.”

The row notwithstanding, the Nigerian squad will travel to Brasilia today as scheduled and will train in the evening and over the weekend.

It is not the first time the Super Eagles have made a stance over money – last year they arrived late for the Confederations Cup in Brazil.

•Photo shows the Super Eagles in prayer. They may need plenty of it to progress beyond the World Cup Round of 16.

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