The stakes for Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign have reached a fever pitch as the Super Eagles prepare for their Round of 16 clash against Mozambique. In a move designed to sharpen the team’s clinical edge, the squad has been incentivized with a staggering $10,000 (approx. ₦14 million) for every goal scored in the upcoming knockout fixture.
A Doubled Incentive for the Knockout Phase
The financial windfall, bankrolled by a prominent Nigerian business mogul and official partner of the national team, represents a 100% increase from the group-stage incentive. During the opening round, players were rewarded with $5,000 per goal—a bounty they successfully triggered eight times across three matches to secure a perfect record in Group C.
As the tournament shifts to the high-stakes environment of the Fez Stadium in Morocco this Monday, the “Goal for Gold” initiative aims to ensure the three-time continental champions maintain their offensive momentum.
Government and Private Sector Synergy
Confirming the updated bonus structure in Rabat on Sunday, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, emphasized that the team is “fully mobilized” for glory.
“On the part of the Federal Government, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the AFCON Intervention Fund as early as November 14,” Dikko stated. “In addition to state support, our corporate partners have now committed to $10,000 per goal for the Round of 16. These incentives are structured to scale upward as the team progresses toward the final.”
Nigeria enters the knockout stage as one of the tournament favorites after a dominant group-stage performance. Standing in their way are the Mambas of Mozambique, who clawed their way into the Round of 16 as one of the best third-placed finishers from Group F.
While Nigeria holds the historical advantage, the “must-win” nature of the fixture at Fez Stadium leaves no room for complacency. With ₦14 million riding on every ripple of the net, the Super Eagles have every reason to be at their most lethal.
