CAF approves $1m yearly funding for NFF
The Nigeria Football Federation will receive an annual allocation of $1 million following a sweeping overhaul of senior national team competitions by the Confederation of African Football.
The development was confirmed by CAF president Patrice Motsepe as part of a wider reform agenda that includes the introduction of an African Nations League and a $1 billion commercial tender designed to reset the financial base of African football.
Fivefold increase for member associations
Motsepe said the new structure guarantees each of CAF’s 54 member associations a yearly $1 million payout, a sharp increase from the $200,000 previously disbursed to national federations.
“The restructuring of the CAF senior national team competitions and the USD 1 billion tender that we have initiated will enable CAF to contribute USD 1 million every year to each of the 54 CAF member associations,” Motsepe stated.
Boost for Nigerian football administration
For the NFF, the funding increase represents a material improvement in cash flow and operational certainty.
The federation oversees several national teams, youth programmes, women’s football and domestic competitions, all of which have been constrained by recurring funding gaps.
The guaranteed annual inflow is expected to strengthen budgeting discipline and long-term planning.
Grassroots, youth and women’s football prioritised
Motsepe explained that the funds will be strategically channelled into development-focused areas, with emphasis on grassroots structures, youth academies, women’s football, club competitions and regional tournaments.
“We will allocate a substantial amount of financial and other resources to training and developing young boys and girls football players, as this is amongst the best investments we can make for the future of African football,” he said.
Higher prize money and calendar reform
CAF also confirmed that prize money for its major club competitions, including the Champions League and Confederation Cup, will be increased, with detailed figures to be released after AFCON 2025 in Morocco.
According to Motsepe, the reforms are also aimed at harmonising African football calendars with global schedules, reducing recurring conflicts between clubs and national teams.
For Nigeria, a consistent contender in CAF competitions, the $1 million annual allocation is expected to play a stabilising role in strengthening governance, development pathways and competitive performance.
