You are right , it doesnt execute from QSPI flash. So the issue isnt so much the bootloader, but the NiosV isnt reading QSPI Flash at all.
Same software/hardware/ QSYS works with Nios2. Only difference is Nios2 swapped with NiosV.
My Flash is Micron MT25QL256 and I use the quartus.ini pgm_allow_mt25q=on.
I tried Niosv-m and Niosv-g. Neither seem to run from Flash.
I am using Generic QUAD SPI controller II Intel FPGA IP which worked with Nios2 . Should I be using Generic Serial Flash Interface Intel FPGA IP as stated in the Embedded Design Handbook? Shouldnt have to.