AFCON 2025: Super Eagles face match bonus standoff ahead of Marrakech trip
Super Eagles players and coaching staff may boycott training and their scheduled trip to Marrakech amid reports of unpaid bonuses for their first four matches at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
BBC journalist Oluwashina Okeleji reported that while the squad remains committed to the tournament, they will refuse to train or travel on Thursday if the outstanding payments are not settled.
Unpaid bonuses threaten preparations
Nigeria have enjoyed a flawless run so far, claiming maximum points in the group stage with wins over Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda before thrashing Mozambique in the round of 16 to book a quarter-final clash with Algeria.
Despite the on-field success, players and backroom staff are reportedly still awaiting payment of win bonuses, a development that could derail preparations for Saturday’s high-stakes encounter with the Desert Foxes.
“Players and coaching staff of #Nigeria are waiting on #AFCON2025 bonus payments,” Okeleji wrote on X. “Win bonuses from four matches – vs Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda & Mozambique – have yet to be received.”
He added that the “squad remain focused but will NOT train or travel to Marrakech on Thursday if this isn’t resolved.”
A familiar pattern for the Super Eagles
This is not the first time payment issues have triggered unrest within the national team.
Recall Before last year’s CAF World Cup playoffs, the Super Eagles boycotted training over unpaid entitlements.
Although the matter was resolved, Nigeria went on to lose to DR Congo in the final, missing World Cup qualification for the second straight time.
Ahead of AFCON 2025, it also emerged that head coach Éric Chelle was owed three months’ salary and bonuses.
The Malian tactician has, however, not made any formal complaint, as attention now shifts to whether the latest dispute will be resolved quickly to avoid disrupting Nigeria’s campaign.
