The financial cost of the Super Eagles’ failure to secure a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been laid bare, with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the national team set to lose out on at least ₦15.7 billion ($10.5 million) in guaranteed revenue.
The staggering loss comes on the heels of FIFA’s announcement of an unprecedented $655 million total prize pool for the expanded 48-team tournament—a 50% increase from the 2022 edition.
Under FIFA’s revised distribution model, every qualifying nation is entitled to a windfall that would have stabilized the NFF’s coffers and rewarded the playing squad:
Preparation Grant: $1.5 million (₦2.2 billion)
Participation Fee: $9 million (₦13.5 billion) for reaching the group stage.
Total Minimum Loss: $10.5 million (₦15.7 billion).
Beyond the federation’s operational losses, the players themselves have missed out on significant performance-based bonuses typically carved out from the FIFA participation funds.
Nigeria’s road to the 2026 finals was a tumultuous one. After trailing South Africa in their qualification group, the Eagles clawed back through the continental playoffs. While they successfully navigated past Gabon, their journey hit a definitive wall in a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Despite the on-pitch exit, the NFF is launching a “hail mary” in the corridors of power. General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi confirmed that a formal petition has been lodged with FIFA, alleging that DR Congo fielded ineligible players during the decisive playoff clash.
While Nigerian fans remain in limbo, the NFF is banking on a favorable ruling from the global governing body to overturn the result and reclaim both their sporting pride and their multi-billion naira windfall.
