NFF explain unpaid Super Eagles bonuses amid boycott fears

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have been hit by an off-field crisis at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after unpaid win bonuses threatened to disrupt preparations for the quarter-final against Algeria. The issue surfaced days after a 4–0 win over Mozambique sealed Nigeria’s place in the last eight.

Reports said players and coaching staff were owed bonuses from victories over Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda and Mozambique, despite Nigeria finishing Group C with a perfect record. Sources claimed the squad warned they would not train or travel to Marrakech if the matter remained unresolved, raising fears of a boycott before Saturday’s crucial tie.

The Nigerian Football Federation moved to calm tensions, explaining that the delay was due to banking procedures. According to Nigerian journalist Tobi Adepoju, a senior NFF official confirmed the Central Bank of Nigeria is processing the payments. Officials expect swift resolution before Saturday to avoid distractions ahead of the quarter-final.