The issue was initially brought to public attention by sports journalist Adepoju Tobi Samuel, who revealed that the players had demanded the full payment of their outstanding allowances before committing to the decisive fixture.
Amid rising tension in the Super Eagles camp, the Nigerian Government has assured that all unpaid match bonuses owed to the team at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will be settled either today (Thursday) or by Friday.
The assurance followed reports that members of the national team had threatened to boycott their trip to Marrakech for their next AFCON encounter against Algeria unless the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) cleared all outstanding winning bonuses.
The claims were later confirmed by BBC journalist Olúwashínà Okeleji, who stated that both players and officials were still awaiting payment.
“Players and coaching staff of #Nigeria are waiting on #AFCON2025 bonus payments,” Okeleji posted.
Responding to the situation, the Minister of State for Finance, Hon. (Dr.) Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, issued a statement on Thursday via her verified X account, providing an update on efforts to resolve the delay.
“I am pleased to share an update on the administrative progress concerning match bonus payments for our national team at AFCON 2025,” the minister said.
Uzoka-Anite explained that the Federal Government, working alongside the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), had resolved the foreign exchange challenges that previously slowed the disbursement process.
“The Federal Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria have streamlined foreign exchange procedures to ensure our players receive their entitlements without further delay,” she stated.
She added that the improved payment system would not be limited to the current competition.
“Going forward, this process will be institutionalised to guarantee faster, more predictable payments in line with international best practices,” she noted.
According to the minister, funds covering group-stage bonuses had already been approved and successfully passed all regulatory checks.
“All group-stage bonuses have been fully released and cleared through the necessary approval stages,” she said.
On currency conversion, Uzoka-Anite disclosed that a fast-track mechanism had been introduced to accommodate the players’ preferences.
“We have adopted an accelerated conversion process to move funds into foreign currency as requested by the players,” she explained.
She further confirmed that the final phase of payment was underway.
“The final transfers to players’ domiciliary accounts are currently in progress, with funds expected to reflect today (Thursday) or by tomorrow (Friday),” she said.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to the team, Uzoka-Anite stressed that player welfare remains a top priority as the Super Eagles advance in the competition.
“Our focus is fully on supporting the team so they can sustain their impressive momentum in the knockout stages,” she stated.
She concluded with an optimistic message, adding, “We move forward with one clear objective: bringing the AFCON trophy home.”