The Super Eagles of Nigeria have received a goals bonus of $120,000 for their impressive 4–1 victory over the Panthers of Gabon in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoff. The win, which strengthened Nigeria’s push for a place at the 2026 World Cup, came at a crucial time for the squad, especially after a pay dispute earlier in the week.
According to reports from SCORENigeria, the bonus payment was part of a special initiative created by the Nigeria Sports Commission (NSC) in partnership with the private sector. The initiative was introduced to motivate the team and restore harmony after the players staged a brief strike on Tuesday over unpaid allowances and bonuses.
The players had refused to train earlier in the week, demanding a clear commitment from football authorities regarding their outstanding payments. The strike raised concerns among fans, especially given the importance of the World Cup playoff games. Missing the World Cup twice in a row—after failing to qualify for Qatar 2022—remains a bitter memory for many Nigerians, and expectations are high for the 2026 qualifiers.
To address the dispute, the NSC and private partners made fresh financial commitments, including the goals bonus that has now been paid to the players. Officials hope this gesture will boost morale as the Eagles prepare for the final playoff game.
Team sources say the mood in camp improved immediately after the agreement was reached, with players returning to training and focusing fully on the match against Gabon, which they eventually won convincingly.
The Super Eagles delivered one of their best performances in recent months, overpowering the Panthers with fast, attacking football and showing the hunger that fans have been demanding from the team. The 4–1 scoreline not only secured the bonus but also renewed hope that Nigeria can finish the playoff series strongly.
Coaching staff and senior officials praised the players for their professionalism in setting the dispute aside to deliver a dominant performance on the pitch.
The goals bonus for the Gabon win may not be the last. Officials have hinted that the players will receive an even bigger bonus if they defeat the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) in the final playoff match.
Nigeria will face the Leopards at the Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex in Rabat, Morocco, this Sunday. The match is scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m. Nigerian time.
The DR Congo fixture is the decisive game in the playoff series. A win would put Nigeria in a strong position to grab one of Africa’s slots for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Africa will have nine direct slots, plus a possible tenth through the intercontinental playoffs, making qualification slightly more open than in previous years.
Still, the path is far from easy. Many African teams, including Morocco, Senegal, Cameroon, and Côte d’Ivoire, have strengthened their squads in recent years, making the competition tougher.
The bonus discussions come at a time when Nigerian football is facing heavy scrutiny. Fans have grown frustrated with constant issues around unpaid allowances, poor preparations, and administrative disputes. These problems have often disrupted the national team’s focus and affected performance.
In recent years, players have repeatedly spoken out about unpaid bonuses during major tournaments, including the Africa Cup of Nations. The situation has drawn criticism both domestically and internationally, with many urging the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and government bodies to develop a more sustainable funding structure.
The NSC’s collaboration with private partners for the goals bonus is seen by some analysts as a positive step toward addressing these recurring financial challenges. Many observers believe that stronger private sector involvement could help improve funding, reduce disputes, and allow the national teams to focus fully on playing football.
With the Gabon match behind them and the goals bonus delivered, the Super Eagles are now fully focused on the crucial encounter with DR Congo. Coaches say the players are determined to maintain momentum and secure qualification.
For millions of Nigerian fans at home and abroad, Sunday’s match represents another opportunity for the Super Eagles to prove that they remain one of Africa’s top football teams.
A victory in Rabat would not only bring more bonuses but also push Nigeria closer to returning to the world’s biggest football stage — the FIFA World Cup.
