Payment Delays Resolved After Players Threaten Travel Boycott to Marrakech.

Super Eagles AFCON 2025 bonuses

The Federal Government has intervened to resolve a brewing crisis in the Super Eagles camp, assuring that outstanding match bonuses from the ongoing AFCON 2025 will be paid into players’ domiciliary accounts “starting today or tomorrow” – January 8 or 9, 2026.

Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite, explained the delay stemmed from the “conversion process to move funds into foreign currency” – the players’ preferred option – but confirmed the process has been fast-tracked, with “final transfers currently in flight.”

This follows reports of the team threatening to boycott Thursday’s scheduled travel from Fès to Marrakech ahead of Saturday’s quarter-final against Algeria, due to unpaid bonuses for all four matches played so far.

Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, echoed the reassurance, stating President Bola Tinubu approved the full AFCON budget on November 14, 2025, and funding has been cleared – distinguishing between approval and processing stages.

The issue recalls a similar boycott in November 2024 during World Cup qualifiers, which contributed to Nigeria’s elimination.

With the crisis averted, focus returns to the pitch: the unbeaten Super Eagles, tournament’s top scorers with 12 goals, topped Group C and demolished Mozambique 4-0 in the Round of 16.

The winner of Nigeria vs Algeria advances to face Morocco or Cameroon in the semi-final.

As the team prepares for the blockbuster clash in Marrakech, this resolution ensures full concentration on chasing a fourth AFCON title.