The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced a new financial incentive for the Super Eagles ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), as part of efforts to motivate the national team to perform at a high level. Under the arrangement, the Super Eagles will earn a bonus of $5,000 for every goal they score during the tournament.
The incentive was revealed by SCORENigeria, a football news platform known for close coverage of the national teams. According to the report, the goal bonus is part of a broader plan by the NFF to boost the morale of the players and encourage an attacking style of play at Africa’s biggest football competition.
AFCON 2025 is expected to be highly competitive, with top teams from across the continent battling for the title. Nigeria, a three-time African champion, is among the favourites and will be looking to add another trophy to its collection.
The NFF’s decision to introduce goal-based bonuses is not entirely new. The football body, working with the Federal Ministry of Sports, used a similar incentive scheme during the ongoing African qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. That approach, officials say, helped improve commitment and focus among the players.
Under the World Cup qualifying arrangement, the Super Eagles were rewarded for positive results, including wins and strong performances. The bonuses were paid promptly, which helped build trust between the players and the football authorities.
That approach appears to be continuing under the leadership of the current NFF administration, which has made player welfare and motivation a key priority. In the past, disputes over unpaid bonuses and allowances often affected the Super Eagles, sometimes leading to distractions before major matches.
By setting clear incentives ahead of time, the NFF hopes to avoid such problems and allow the players to focus fully on football.
The Super Eagles, now coached by Eric Chelle, have already benefited from the incentive system in recent matches. On Tuesday, Chelle’s side earned a $10,000 bonus following their victory over Tanzania’s Taifa Stars. The win was part of Nigeria’s ongoing competitive fixtures and served as a confidence boost for the team.
The match against Tanzania showed a disciplined and determined performance by the Super Eagles, with players responding positively to the new leadership and motivation structure. Observers noted improved teamwork and sharper attacking play, which the NFF hopes to see continue at AFCON 2025.
Nigeria’s next test comes later tonight when the Super Eagles face Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles in a Group C encounter. The match is scheduled to kick off at 9:00 pm Nigerian time and is expected to be a tough contest between two of Africa’s most experienced teams.
Tunisia is known for its strong defence and tactical discipline, while Nigeria traditionally relies on pace, skill, and attacking power. With a $5,000 reward attached to every goal, Nigerian fans will be hoping for an exciting, goal-filled performance from the Super Eagles.
Group C is considered one of the tougher groups in the competition, with all teams aiming to secure early points. A win against Tunisia would put Nigeria in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stages and build momentum for the rest of the tournament.
AFCON remains the most important football competition on the continent, and expectations are always high for the Super Eagles. Nigeria has won the tournament three times, in 1980, 1994, and 2013, and finished as runners-up in the 2023 edition. Many fans believe the current squad has the quality to go all the way.
The introduction of goal bonuses reflects a wider trend in modern football, where performance-based rewards are used to drive results. Football administrators believe that such incentives encourage players to give extra effort, especially in tight matches.
The sports ministry’s involvement in the incentive plan also highlights government support for the national team. In recent years, there has been renewed focus on sports development, with football seen as a powerful tool for national unity and pride.
As the Super Eagles continue their AFCON 2025 campaign, attention will be on how the players respond to the incentives on the pitch. For fans across Nigeria, the hope is that the promise of $5,000 per goal will translate into strong performances, more goals, and, ultimately, a successful tournament for the national team.
With kickoff against Tunisia just hours away, anticipation is building, and all eyes will be on the Super Eagles to deliver both goals and results.
