Nigeria’s Super Eagles have received a timely off-field boost ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations knockout phase after the federal government confirmed that all outstanding match bonuses have been fully approved and released.
Minister of State for Finance Dr. Doris Anite announced the development via her official X account, confirming that regulatory bottlenecks delaying payments had been resolved and that funds were already being transferred to players’ domiciliary accounts.
“Exciting update on the Super Eagles’ AFCON match bonuses,” Anite wrote. “All delays have been resolved, full funding has been released, FX conversions fast-tracked, and transfers to players’ accounts are underway. Let’s cheer our boys to victory.”
The clarification brings relief after reports earlier in the week suggested growing frustration within the Nigerian camp over unpaid bonuses, a situation that had threatened to distract from preparations as the tournament entered its decisive stages in Morocco.
Nigeria, three-time African champions, have enjoyed a strong AFCON 2025 campaign so far, advancing confidently from the group stage and positioning themselves as one of the tournament favorites. However, familiar administrative issues had once again cast a shadow over progress on the pitch.
The delay was attributed to foreign exchange regulations and government policies restricting the physical movement of foreign currency, an explanation that echoes past challenges faced by Nigerian national teams at major tournaments.
Bonus disputes have been a recurring theme in Nigerian football history. Similar situations arose during previous AFCON campaigns, including the 2019 edition in Egypt, when delayed payments led to public criticism, strained relations, and concerns over player morale.
This time, swift intervention appears to have prevented escalation. Sources close to the Nigeria Football Federation confirm that the cleared payments cover bonuses accrued from earlier matches, with further incentives already structured for progression deeper into the tournament.
The resolution comes at a crucial moment as the Super Eagles shift full focus to the knockout rounds, where margins are slim and distractions costly. Key players such as Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Alex Iwobi have been central to Nigeria’s strong showing and will now be able to concentrate solely on football.
Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel recently stressed the importance of stability during tournaments of this magnitude, noting that players perform best when administrative matters are handled decisively and professionally.
With financial uncertainty now removed, Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 ambitions return firmly to the pitch. As the Super Eagles prepare for their next knockout challenge, the expectation is clear: deliver on promise, chase history, and let football, not off-field issues, define the campaign.
