The assurance comes amid rising tension within the team, after players reportedly threatened not to travel to Marrakech for their next AFCON fixture against Algeria unless the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) settles all pending bonuses.
The Nigerian Government has assured that all outstanding match bonuses owed to the Super Eagles at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will be paid today (Thursday) or by Friday.
The assurance comes amid rising tension within the team, after players reportedly threatened not to travel to Marrakech for their next AFCON fixture against Algeria unless the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) settles all pending bonuses.
Sports journalist Adepoju Tobi Samuel first reported that the players were insisting on receiving their entitlements before taking part in the crucial match.
BBC journalist Olúwashínà Okeleji also confirmed that both players and officials were still awaiting payment, tweeting, “Players and coaching staff of #Nigeria are waiting on #AFCON2025 bonus payments.”
The government’s statement was issued by the Minister of State for Finance, Hon. (Dr.) Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, on her verified X account on Thursday.
She outlined the steps taken to resolve the payment delays and addressed the foreign exchange challenges that had hindered disbursement.
“The Federal Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) have successfully streamlined the foreign exchange processing to ensure our players are rewarded without further delay,” Uzoka-Anite said.
The minister explained that funds for group-stage bonuses had already been approved and processed, and a fast-track system has been implemented to convert payments into foreign currency according to the players’ preferences.
“The final transfers to domiciliary accounts are currently in flight. Players can expect these funds to reflect starting today (Thursday) or tomorrow (Friday),” she added.
Uzoka-Anite also stressed that the government plans to institutionalise this streamlined payment framework beyond the current tournament, ensuring faster and more predictable disbursements in line with international best practices.
“Our focus remains entirely on supporting the team’s welfare so they can maintain their incredible momentum in the knockout rounds,” the minister said, adding with optimism, “We move forward with one goal: Bringing the trophy home!”
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