The Federal Government has confirmed the release of all group-stage match bonuses owed to the Super Eagles at the ongoing AFCON 2025, following reports that players were considering boycotting training over unpaid entitlements.
The clarification and payment update were provided by the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, who said the intervention was aimed at putting administrative issues to rest and allowing the team to fully focus on their quarter-final preparations.
I am pleased to provide an update on the administrative progress regarding the match bonuses for our national team at AFCON 2025, the minister stated, noting that both the Federal Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had moved swiftly to streamline foreign exchange processes linked to the payments.
According to her, all group-stage bonuses have been fully released and cleared necessary regulatory stages, while a fast-track foreign exchange conversion process was introduced to ensure payments are made in foreign currency, as preferred by the players.
She further disclosed that the final transfers to players domiciliary accounts are already in progress, with funds expected to reflect from today or by tomorrow.
The government also announced plans to permanently improve the payment system, promising faster and more predictable disbursements in line with international best practices, to avoid future distractions during major tournaments.
The move appears to have doused tension in the Super Eagles camp after speculation of a training boycott surfaced, with officials insisting that the team’s welfare remains a top priority as Nigeria continues its push for the AFCON title.
Our focus remains entirely on supporting the team so they can maintain their momentum in the knockout rounds. We move forward with one goal, bringing the trophy home, Dr. Uzoka-Anite added.
With the bonus issue addressed, attention now shifts back to the pitch as the Super Eagles prepare for their crucial quarter-final showdown in Morocco.
