Football: Super Eagles bag big pay day as NFF agree AFCON 2026 last 16 bonus
by Thobelani Moyo | by Thobelani Moyo
Players Demand More: From Boycott to Breakthrough
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is once again under scrutiny, just two months after being embroiled in a dispute with the Nigerian senior national team over unpaid allowances and match bonuses that have remained unsettled since 2019.
This time, the standoff between them and the senior national team revolves around the bonus deal they proposed, which is related to the team's performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The NFF had set a target for Eric Chelle and company that had to be accomplished. It was a hurdle they were fully expected to clear, with knockout-stage qualification at AFCON the bare minimum. Nigeria did just about that, topping Group C with a 100% win record.
Having done so, the amount agreed upon for achieving this feat was that each player would receive a $15000 bonus as a reward. However, for the majority of the players, this was not enough of a bonus to sway them.
In the end, the Super Eagles and the NFF reached an agreement after negotiations to increase the bonus money. From the initial proposal, the amount was doubled to $30000 a player.
Another deal proposed by the federation is the goals bonus. For every goal that Nigeria scores in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations, they receive $5000. Their offense has significantly improved this season compared to the previous edition, when they were under the guidance of Jose Peseiro.
So far, the Super Eagles have scored eight goals in the group stage games. Of the goals scored, they have already pocketed $40000, and there's still more to come.
CAF Prize Money and Financial Rewards
Apart from Nigeria's governing body handing out bonuses, there is still some prize money to be won in the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for teams that have done exceptionally well.
The Super Eagles have received $800 000 from CAF for reaching the last 16 at the ongoing AFCON 2025.
For reaching the Round of 16, Nigeria has received $800 000 for its valiant efforts. There are still more CAF cash prizes to be seen along the way that are expected to increase gradually with each passing stage.
Check out the CAF cash prizes pool:
- Group stage (last place): $500 000
- Best third-placed team: $700 000
- Round of 16: $800 000
- Quarter-finalist: $1.3 million
- Semi-finalist: $2.5 million
- Runners-up: $4 million
- Champion: $10 million
Judging by the lucrative CAF payouts, this can provide financial rewards to teams aiming to ease the strain of financial pressure or, even better, meet player demands and invest in sports development. This could be of help for Nigeria, who have often struggled with financial difficulties.
