Nigeria’s Super Eagles head into the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco with a rare sense of financial certainty.
This is after the National Sports Commission confirmed that all outstanding rewards promised to the country’s senior national teams have been fully approved and processed.
The confirmation, delivered by NSC chairman Malam Shehu Dikko, removes a long-standing source of tension that has often clouded Nigeria’s major tournament campaigns.
With AFCON kicking off on Sunday, December 21, the Super Eagles can now focus squarely on their pursuit of a fourth continental title, free from concerns over unpaid bonuses or unfulfilled promises.
Crucially, the development does not affect the men’s team alone. Nigeria’s Super Falcons and D’Tigress, champions of Africa in football and basketball respectively, are also set to receive their long-awaited rewards following historic triumphs earlier this year.
Nigeria: Rewards approved across football and basketball
Speaking on Arise Television on Friday, Dikko confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved both cash and non-cash incentives for the three national teams, including houses, land allocations, national honours and monetary rewards.
“I can tell you Mr President has already approved the houses and the land for the Super Eagles, and the National Awards, and the monies for the Super Falcons. All that has been processed,” Dikko said.
The Super Falcons are due to be rewarded following their victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco in July, where the President announced a cash reward of $100,000 for each player.
A similar pledge was made to the D’Tigress after they claimed their seventh AfroBasket title in August.
Nigeria defeated Mali 78–64 in the final in Ivory Coast, a win that also secured qualification for next year’s FIBA Women’s World Cup.
Members of the national women’s basketball team are to receive $100,000 (£75,000) each for that achievement.
The Super Eagles, meanwhile, are being rewarded for finishing as runners-up at the 2023 AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire.
Super Eagles: Houses, land and payments at advanced stage
Dikko revealed that documentation for the housing component has already been completed.
“As I speak to you, I have in my possession all the Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) for the houses of the players in Lagos and Abuja for both the Super Eagles, Super Falcons and D’Tigress,” he added.
According to the NSC chairman, national honours have also been finalised, while the financial rewards are close to disbursement.
“I have all the certificates for the National Awards. The money has been processed and is currently at the payment point at the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation,” Dikko concluded.
The confirmation is expected to reassure athletes and stakeholders alike, particularly after past disputes over unpaid bonuses.
Most notably, the Super Eagles boycotted training for 24 hours during World Cup playoffs in November over outstanding payments.
This time, however, Nigeria’s players arrive at AFCON with clarity and confidence and no financial distractions.