Abuja, Nigeria – Just days before their crucial quarter-final clash against Algeria in the Africa Cup of Nations, the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles, faced internal turmoil due to a dispute over unpaid bonuses. Players threatened to boycott training and even refuse to play in the upcoming match if their financial entitlements were not met, casting a shadow over their preparations.
However, signs of a resolution have emerged, suggesting that the crisis is nearing an end. The Nigerian players had reportedly linked their participation in the Algeria match to receiving outstanding bonuses for their victories in the first four games of the tournament, threatening to escalate the situation if delays persisted.
In response to the growing concerns, Nigerian Minister of Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite, issued a statement confirming that the players’ bonuses would be credited to their dollar accounts starting Thursday or Friday at the latest. She explained that the delay was due to procedures involved in converting funds into foreign currency, a preference of the players. The Minister added that the process has been expedited and final transfers are currently underway. She noted that the government and the Central Bank of Nigeria have successfully streamlined foreign exchange disbursement procedures to ensure payments are received without further delays. The mechanism will be further simplified in the future to guarantee faster and more consistent payments in line with international standards.
This isn’t the first time the Super Eagles have been plagued by payment disputes. The team previously boycotted training during the World Cup qualifiers in November 2024 due to a similar issue. Shortly after that crisis, the team lost to the Democratic Republic of Congo, effectively ending their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the full budget for the team’s participation in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on November 14, 2025. He added that the funding has been fully secured, stressing that approval differs from disbursement procedures, and that the players are aware that the funds have been authorized. The Super Eagles are hoping to put this issue behind them as they focus on the important match ahead.
