Super Eagles bonus payments underway as NFF moves to avert crisis

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that the long-awaited payment of outstanding Super Eagles allowances is now being processed through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), assuring players and team officials that disbursements will follow as soon as the banking cycle is completed.

The announcement comes amid growing concerns of a possible player and coaching staff protest during the 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, following reports of delayed bonus payments from four tournament matches.

Despite the off-field distractions, Nigeria has been nothing short of sensational on the pitch.

Under the guidance of head coach Eric Chelle, the Super Eagles have delivered a perfect record in the group stage, grinding out wins against Tanzania Tunisia and Uganda.

Their momentum continued into the knockout rounds, where they stamped their authority with an emphatic 4–0 demolition of Mozambique in the Round of 16, a victory that secured their place in the quarter-finals.

However, celebration quickly turned to tension on Tuesday when respected Nigerian sports journalist Oluwashina Okeleji revealed that the team was still awaiting bonus payments from all four matches played so far.

“Players and coaching staff of Nigeria are waiting on AFCON 2025 bonus payments.

“Win bonuses from four matches against Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda and Mozambique have yet to be received,” Okeleji reported, adding that although the squad remained committed to their title ambitions, they were prepared to take drastic action if the matter lingered.

According to the journalist, the players and staff had threatened to boycott training and delay travel to Marrakech, where they are scheduled to take on Algeria on Saturday in a heavyweight quarter-final showdown.

“The squad will NOT train or travel on Thursday if this isn’t resolved,” he warned, reigniting memories of previous administrative stand-offs that have disrupted Nigeria’s international campaigns.

Shortly after the report gained traction, fellow sports journalist Tobi Adepoju offered fresh insight following a direct conversation with a top NFF official.

Adepoju confirmed that the federation was racing against time to prevent a breakdown in preparations.

“The monies have been processed from CBN to individual banks.

“The players and officials will receive all their bonuses when the process is completed,” Adepoju quoted the official as saying.

Another journalist, Tobi Adepoju, had earlier provided updates from an NFF source, stressing that payments had already left the CBN and were in transit to the personal accounts of the players and staff.

Nigeria heads into Saturday’s clash as one of the tournament’s biggest favourites.

The upcoming fixture against Algeria, a long-standing continental rival, promises to be a defining moment, with both teams battling for a spot in the semi-finals.

The Super Eagles are three-time AFCON champions, last lifting the trophy in 2013, and remain one of Africa’s most decorated footballing nations.

Yet, as the latest developments underline, the federation is still working to overcome persistent administrative challenges that have, in past tournaments, threatened squad unity and national pride.

As Nigeria continues its hunt for a fourth AFCON crown, fans across the country—and beyond—will be hoping that the banking process concludes swiftly, allowing Chelle’s men to focus solely on the football and avoid any disruption ahead of their biggest test yet.