The Super Eagles of Nigeria have demanded a bigger bonus package from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), scheduled to take place in Morocco.
According to reports by SCORENigeria, the NFF has already presented a proposed bonus structure to the players. The proposal is said to include a system where players’ bonuses increase as the team progresses further in the tournament. However, the players are reportedly not satisfied with the offer and are pushing for improved financial rewards.
Sources close to the team said the Super Eagles believe they deserve more money, especially because the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has significantly increased the prize money for the competition.
CAF announced last weekend that the winner of the 2025 AFCON will receive $10 million, an increase from previous editions. This development has raised expectations among players across the continent, including the Nigerian team.
In the last AFCON held in Côte d’Ivoire in 2023, the host nation and eventual champions went home with $7 million. Nigeria, who finished as runners-up after losing the final, received $4 million.
The Super Eagles’ camp believes that with the prize money now raised by $3 million, players’ bonuses should also be reviewed upward to reflect the new financial reality.
Bonus negotiations between national teams and football federations are not new in Nigerian football. Over the years, issues related to match bonuses, allowances, and payments have often caused tension before major tournaments.
In some cases, such disputes have affected team focus and preparation. For this reason, many football fans are calling on both the NFF and the players to reach an agreement early to avoid distractions ahead of the tournament.
The NFF’s proposed bonus structure is said to reward the team more as they advance through each stage of the competition. While details of the exact figures have not been made public, the federation believes the offer is fair and realistic.
However, the players reportedly feel that their performance, experience, and recent success should attract better compensation. They also argue that representing Nigeria at the highest level comes with great pressure and responsibility.
The Super Eagles remain one of Africa’s most successful national teams. Nigeria has won the AFCON title three times—in 1980, 1994, and 2013—and has finished as runners-up on several occasions, including the most recent tournament.
At the 2023 AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire, the Super Eagles impressed many football fans with their strong performances. Despite not being among the favourites before the tournament, the team reached the final and narrowly lost to the host nation.
That run to the final helped restore confidence in Nigerian football and raised expectations ahead of AFCON 2025. Many fans now expect the Super Eagles to challenge strongly for the title in Morocco.
CAF’s decision to increase prize money is part of a broader effort to improve African football and make the AFCON more attractive to players, sponsors, and broadcasters. The governing body said the increase is meant to reward excellence and support football development across the continent.
With more money at stake, national teams are paying closer attention to financial arrangements with their football associations. Players want to ensure they receive a fair share of the rewards for their efforts on the pitch.
For the NFF, balancing players’ demands with financial responsibility remains a challenge. The federation relies on funding from government support, sponsors, and CAF grants to run football activities.
In the past, the NFF has faced criticism over delayed payments and lack of transparency. However, officials have also argued that resources are limited and must be managed carefully.
Fans have also shared mixed reactions online. While many support the players’ call for better pay, others believe national pride should come first.
One fan wrote on social media, “The players deserve good bonuses, but they should also focus on winning the trophy. Both sides must compromise.”
Another said, “With $10 million prize money, it’s only fair that players get better rewards. They are the ones doing the hard work.”
As preparations for AFCON 2025 continue, attention will remain on how the NFF and the Super Eagles resolve the bonus issue. The tournament is still months away, giving both sides time to reach an understanding.
For now, the Super Eagles are expected to focus on qualifiers and friendly matches while discussions continue behind the scenes. Many Nigerians hope that the bonus talks will end positively, allowing the team to go to Morocco united and fully motivated.
