Relief has swept through Nigeria’s football camp after the Federal Government confirmed that all group-stage bonuses owed to the Super Eagles have been released.
The development comes just hours before the team’s crucial quarter-final clash at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The Federal Ministry of Finance announced that the long-awaited payments are already on the move.
According to officials, the funds are expected to reflect in the players’ domiciliary accounts within hours.
This confirmation has eased growing concerns that unresolved bonus issues could affect team morale ahead of a decisive stage of the tournament.
Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, Minister of State for Finance, addressed the situation in a statement shared on her official X account on Thursday.
She explained that delays linked to unpaid bonuses had been resolved through joint efforts by the Federal Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria.
“The Federal Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria have successfully streamlined to ensure faster, more predictable disbursements aligned with international best practice,” she said.
According to the minister, all group-stage bonuses earned by the Super Eagles were fully processed after clearing regulatory requirements.
“All group-stage bonuses were fully released and have now cleared the necessary regulatory stages,” Uzoka-Anite stated.
This update has drawn attention because bonus disputes have previously disrupted Nigeria’s tournament preparations.
However, this time, officials moved quickly to prevent distractions. Moreover, a fast-track payment option was introduced to meet players’ preferences.
“We have implemented a fast-track conversion process to move funds into foreign currency, honouring the players’ preferences,” she added.
The minister further disclosed that the final phase of the process is already underway. “The final transfers to domiciliary accounts are currently in flight. Players can expect these funds to reflect starting today (Thursday) or tomorrow (Friday),” she said.
Meanwhile, attention has shifted back to the pitch as Nigeria prepares for a demanding knockout fixture.
Uzoka-Anite stressed that the government’s priority remains the team’s welfare as AFCON 2025 enters its most competitive stage.
“Our focus remains entirely on supporting the team’s welfare so they can maintain their incredible momentum in the knockout rounds,” she said.
