The federal government has announced that all group-stage bonuses due to players of the Super Eagles at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations have been released and are expected to reflect in the players’ domiciliary accounts within hours.
The disclosure was made by the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, in response to reports suggesting that the national team was considering boycotting training sessions and could refuse to travel to Marrakesh for their quarter-final encounter against Algeria.
In a post on her official X handle, Uzoka-Anite provided an update on the administrative steps taken to resolve concerns surrounding the payment of match bonuses to the Super Eagles, stating that the issue had been addressed through coordinated action by the Federal Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria.
“The Federal Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) have successfully streamlined to ensure faster, more predictable disbursements aligned with international best practice,” the minister said.
She explained that all bonuses earned during the group stage of the tournament had already been processed through the required regulatory procedures. “All group-stage bonuses were fully released and have now cleared the necessary regulatory stages,” she said.
Uzoka-Anite added that the government had introduced a fast-track process to meet the players’ preferences regarding currency denomination. “We have implemented a fast-track conversion process to move funds into foreign currency, honouring the players’ preferences,” she stated.
According to the minister, the final stage of the payment 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.
She noted that the government’s priority remains the welfare and morale of the national team as they progress into the knockout phase of the tournament. “Our focus remains entirely on supporting the team’s welfare so they can maintain their incredible momentum in the knockout rounds,” Uzoka-Anite said.
She added that the administration is committed to ensuring that off-field issues do not distract the players from their performance on the pitch. “We move forward with one goal: Bringing the trophy home!” she said.
The update is expected to calm concerns surrounding the team’s preparations ahead of the quarter-final fixture, as the Super Eagles continue their campaign at the AFCON 2025 tournament.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria are reportedly yet to receive their match win bonuses for four games played at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), raising concerns behind the scenes ahead of their Saturday’s quarter final tie with the Fennecs of Algeria.
The development comes at a crucial stage of the tournament, where focus and unity are vital as Nigeria pushes deeper into the competition after they smashed the Mambas of Mozambique 4-0 on Monday in Fez.
A correspondent with the British Broadcasting Corporation(BBC), Oluwashina Okeleji , claimed the unpaid bonuses affect both the players and members of the coaching crew.
While the exact financial figures were not disclosed, the delay is understood to involve standard match incentives agreed upon before the commencement of the tournament, covering four victories so far at AFCON 2025.
Despite the unresolved financial issue, the Super Eagles squad has remained professional and committed to their national duty. Sources close to the team indicated that the players have continued to show discipline and togetherness, prioritising Nigeria’s quest for continental glory over off-field distractions.
But according to Okeleji, the situation could take a more serious turn if the issue is not resolved promptly as the team will not train or travel to Marrakech today.
Okeleji stated on X (formerly Twitter):“Players and coaching staff of #Nigeria are waiting on #AFCON2025 bonus payments. Win bonuses from four matches – vs. Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda & Mozambique – have yet to be received. Squad remain focus but will NOT train or travel to Marrakech on Thursday if this isn’t resolved”
This is the second strike in three months. In the last international break in November 2025, the players also went on strike before their crucial World Cup playoffs against Gabon but the matter was settled within 24 hours.
Ironically, the authorities recently unveiled an improved bonus package to motivate the team toward continental glory.
Each player is expected to earn $30,000 for qualifying from the group stage with maximum points and an additional $12,500 following the emphatic 4-0 win over Mozambique in the Round of 16.
Further bonuses await, including $15,000 for a quarterfinal victory over Algeria, $17,500 for winning the semifinal, and $20,000 for lifting the trophy.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has begun processing the payment of allowances owed to Super Eagles players and team officials participating in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with funds set to be paid directly into their individual bank accounts.
Journalist Tobi Adepoju, popularly known as Oganla Media, confirmed this following reports of unrest within the squad.
The situation escalated after the Super Eagles reportedly threatened to boycott their AFCON 2025 quarterfinal encounter against Algeria over delays in the payment of their entitlements.
“UPDATE FROM MOROCCO: I just spoke with a top NFF official about the potential players’ and officials’ strike,” Adepoju said in a post on his official X account.
He added NFF official said: “The monies have been processed from CBN to individual banks. The players and officials will receive all their bonuses when the process is completed.”
BBC journalist, Oluwashina Okeleji, reported the Super Eagles had threatened to boycott their AFCON 2025 quarterfinal match against Algeria over unpaid allowances.
“Players and coaching staff of Nigeria are waiting on AFCON 2025 bonus payments. Win bonuses from four matches against Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda and Mozambique – have yet to be received,” Okeleji wrote.
“The squad remains focused but the players will NOT train or travel to Marrakech on Thursday if this isn’t resolved.
“Three-time #AFCON champions Nigeria have a strange ability to self-sabotage.
Officials made a promise to the players and coaching staff ahead of the AFCON 2025 tournament.
“After going unbeaten to reach the quarterfinal against Algeria, the squad will NOT train or travel on Thursday.”
The Super Eagles enjoyed a perfect run in the group stage, recording victories of 2–1 against Tanzania, 3–2 over Tunisia, and 3–1 against Uganda, before delivering an emphatic 4–0 win against Mozambique in Monday’s round-of-16 clash.
Eric Chelle’s side will now face Algeria in the quarter-final showdown, scheduled for Saturday, January 10, 2026, in Marrakech, with a coveted semi-final berth at stake.
Players and coaches of the Super Eagles have reportedly refused to travel to Marrakech for their next Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) fixture, citing unpaid bonuses.
The development was disclosed on X by BBC Africa journalist Oluwashina Okeleji, who is currently in Morocco.
Nigeria, regarded as one of the standout teams at the ongoing tournament, has won all four of its matches and recorded the highest number of goals so far. The team is scheduled to face Algeria in the quarter-final clash of the 2025 AFCON on Saturday evening.
However, it is understood that bonuses for the four matches played have not been settled. The squad, led by coach Eric Chelle, defeated Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda in the group stage before recording a 4-0 victory over Mozambique in the Round of 16.
In response to the unresolved payments, the players and technical crew have reportedly halted all travel and training plans.
This marks their second bonus-related strike in three months. During the November 2025 international break, the team also downed tools ahead of a crucial World Cup playoff against Gabon, although that dispute was resolved within 24 hours.
Three-time African champions, Nigeria , swept Mozambique aside at the Complexe Sportif de Fés in a dominant display, winning 4-0 and progressing to the quarter-finals of the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The Super Eagles were dominant from start to finish in the round of 16 encounter, with Victor Osimhen netting a brace, while Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams also found the target.
Nigeria set the tone early, with Osimhen seeing a second-minute strike ruled out for offside before Alex Iwobi tested Mozambique goalkeeper Ernan from distance.
The breakthrough arrived in the 20th minute when Iwobi’s exquisite pass released Adams, who squared for Lookman to clinically slot home his third goal of the tournament and put Eric Chelle’s side ahead.
The Super Eagles doubled their lead five minutes later through Osimhen. Another incisive ball from Iwobi found Lookman on the left, and his driven cross, aided by a slight deflection, allowed Osimhen to tap in from close range. Nigeria remained in control for the rest of the half, creating further chances through Adams and Lookman but going into the break with a 2–0 advantage.
Any hopes of a Mozambique comeback were extinguished moments after the restart. Lookman again proved the architect, weaving past defenders before laying the ball on a plate for Osimhen to score his second of the night and Nigeria’s third. The Super Eagles continued to pile on the pressure and capped off a scintillating performance in the 75th minute when Lookman provided yet another assist, this time for Akor Adams, who blasted into the roof of the net.
Nigeria could have added to the score line in the closing stages but comfortably saw out the match to complete a convincing 4–0 victory, their 12th goal of the tournament—more than any other team so far.
Lookman emerges man of the match.
Meanwhile, enterprising Lookman was voted the Man of the Match in the victory over Mozambique.
It was Lookman’s second MOTM award at the ongoing AFCON in Morocco, having won it the match against Tunisia in the hard fought 3-2 win by the Super Eagles.
Lookman who has so far scored three goals in the tournament multiple assists to his credit had an impressive run against Mozambique ensuring the opponents had no a lot to worry about.
The Super Eagles will now turn their attention to Saturday’s quarterfinal, where they await the winner of the round of 16 clash between Algeria and DR Congo slated for today.
The Super Eagles delivered a commanding performance to secure a 4-0 victory over Mozambique, booking their place in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria were rampant from start to finish, asserting their dominance with pace, precision and ruthless finishing.
Ademola Lookman opened the scoring with a well-taken effort to set the tone, before Victor Osimhen struck twice to put the contest beyond Mozambique’s reach. A late goal from Adams capped a flawless display by the Eagles.
The result underlined Nigeria’s growing confidence and attacking depth as they continue their quest for continental glory, shutting out Mozambique with a disciplined defensive display and relentless pressure going forward.
The Super Eagles will now await the winner of the Round of 16 clash between Algeria and DR Congo as they prepare for a crucial quarterfinal showdown.
Nigeria will be expected to progress to the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations as they face Mozambique in the last 16.
The Super Eagles, who missed out on qualification for the 2026 World Cup, surged through the group stages, claiming three wins from three in Group C.
As such, they are the heavy favourites to see off a Mozambique side that progressed in third place in Group F and is competing in the knockout rounds for the first time.
Nigeria are confident of reaching the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations for the 18th time when they engage Mozambique in Monday night’s Round of 16 tie at the Complexe Sportif de Fès.
The Super Eagles have the record of most medals in the 69-year-old flagship football tournament of the African continent, viz three triumphs (gold medals), five runner-up positions (silver medals) and eight bronze acquisitions.
The only three times they failed to reach the quarter-finals were at their debut in Ghana in 1963, at the 13th edition in Libya in 1982, and in Cameroon four years ago.
Ghana 2008 was the only time they crashed out at the quarter-final stage. Otherwise, every time they had gone past the first knockout round, they had picked up a medal.
Today’s encounter against history-making Mambas (they have reached the knockout stage for the first time ever) promises a thrilling contest with Coaches Eric Chelle and Chiquinho Conde preferring to keep tactics, strategies and patterns to their chests.
Nigeria swept to three wins out of three, eight goals for and four against, and reflected a formidable set-up in the group phase, which earned Coach Chelle the mantle of Coach of the Group Phase.
However, against third-placed Mozambique, the three-time champions must be extra-cautious, as a similar third-placed Tunisia bumped them in the same stage in Garoua four years ago.
The Mambas, who famously defeated the Panthers of Gabon either side of defeats to Cup-holders Cote d’Ivoire and five-time champions Cameroon in Group F, look like a team capable of upturning apple carts that are not properly positioned.
Conde can bank on defenders Nené, Bruno Langa and Reinildo Mandava to hold the rear tight, and midfielders Domingues (team captain) and João Bonde to feed the fore line of Chamito and Faisal Bangal, and try to catch Nigeria pants down.
Yet, Chelle, who is driven by his own admission of having imbibed the truism that “Nigerians want their team to win every game,” is committed to putting out a structure that will see the Eagles defend with resolution and attack with panache.
Forward Victor Osimhen, on 32 goals in 49 matches for country, is expected to lead the onslaughts once more. Captain Wilfred Ndidi and midfielders Alex Iwobi are sure to return after taking a rest for the clash with Uganda, as will centre-back Semi Ajayi, wing-back Bright Osayi-Samuel and forward Ademola Lookman.
Chelle, in admitting that the Eagles must forget the excellent job done in the group stage and get into knockout-phase mode in order to avoid a sucker punch, said: “We will not get ahead of ourselves and think we are the best. We will continue to work hard and stay focused for every match as it comes.”
Immediate past African Player of the Year, Ademola Lookman, who has scored twice and provided two assists so far in the tournament, spoke of his selection in the group phase’s Best IX: “Yeah, we had a great run in the group stage and I am thankful to all that voted. The selection is not just for me, but my entire team-mates, because their efforts on the pitch contributed to my selection.
“However, this is not the vision for our team. We have set targets to accomplish here in Morocco and we are nowhere near our targets yet.”
The Confederation of African Football has selected Cameroonian official Abdou Abdel Mefir as referee for Monday night’s encounter, with his compatriots Elvis Noupoue and Carine Atezambong as assistants.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles have been promised a $10,000 (approximately ₦14 million) bonus for every goal scored in their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Round of 16 encounter against Mozambique.
According to BSNSports, the incentive, provided by a Nigerian business mogul and team partner, applies to Monday’s knockout fixture at the Fez Stadium in Morocco. The Super Eagles have been in prolific form, scoring eight goals across their three Group C matches in the tournament’s first round.
The same partner had earlier rewarded the team with $5,000 per goal during the group stage, a bonus structure that has now been doubled for the knockout phase.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, confirmed the development while addressing journalists in Rabat.
“We have fully mobilized the Super Eagles to succeed in this tournament,” Dikko said. “On the part of the Federal Government, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the AFCON Intervention Fund on November 14. In addition, our partners and sponsors paid $5,000 per goal in the group stage and have now committed $10,000 per goal for the Round of 16. The incentives will continue to improve as the tournament progresses.”
The Africa Cup of Nations always finds its true rhythm when the group stage curtain falls and the knockout rounds begin. Morocco 2025 has already delivered drama, goals and shifting narratives but the Round of 16 promises something purer: battles for survival. With the remaining 16 nations , ambition collides with history and there would be little margin for errors since any mistake could be terminal. For Nigeria’s Super Eagles, flawless in the group phase, the test now sharpens against an improving Mozambican side eager to redefine its continental story, write MORAKINYO ABODUNRIN and TUNDE LIADI…
The 35th Africa Cup of Nations has reached the stage where reputations no longer matter and margins disappear. From tomorrow, January 3, to Tuesday, January 6, eight Round of 16 fixtures across Morocco will decide who truly belongs in the title conversation. Traditional heavyweights such as Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria, Cameroun, South Africa and Senegal are joined by ambitious challengers and fearless underdogs- all aware that knockout football rewrites form books overnight.
Two teams emerged from the group stage with perfect records, Nigeria and Algeria, underlining their status as early favourites. Hosts Morocco, despite a less-than-perfect run, remain dangerous with home support behind them, while defending champions Côte d’Ivoire have already shown resilience.
Yet AFCON history teaches that dominance in groups guarantees nothing once the stakes rise as the Super Eagles tasted that humble pie at the 2021 edition in Cameroon when they were shown the exit by Tunisia in the 16th Round despite winning their opening three group matches in convincing style-including the defeat of Mohammed Salah’s Egypt who would later rose from their opening loss to reach the tournament’s final match.
But at Morocco 2025, Nigeria will clash with Mozambique for only the sixth time at senior level when both sides meet in one of the Round of 16 fixtures. The encounter, scheduled for 8pm on Monday, January 5, will take place at the 35,000-capacity Complexe Sportif de Fès — a venue that has felt like home for the Super Eagles throughout their Group C campaign.
On paper, this is a mismatch but in reality, it would be a test of maturity and focus for Nigeria as well as a chance for Mozambique’s Mambas to announce themselves on the biggest stage of African football.
Nigeria swept through Group C like the harmattan haze winning all the three matches against Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda. The Eagles scored eight goals and conceded four, combining attacking fluidity with just enough defensive steel.
Ademola Lookman and Raphael Onyedika each struck twice, while Semi Ajayi, Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Paul Onuachu added their names to the score sheet. The spread of goals has been as reassuring as the results themselves.
Mozambique’s journey was far less comfortable but arguably more instructive. The Mambas opened with defeat against defending champions Côte d’Ivoire, rebounded with a vital win over Gabon, and then pushed Cameroon to the limit in a narrow 2–1 loss. That three-point haul was enough to secure progression — a historic first qualification to the AFCON Round of 16 for the Southern Africans.
The head-to-head record heavily favours Nigeria: four wins and one draw from five previous meetings. Their only AFCON clash came in January 2010 in Lubango, Angola, when the Super Eagles ran out 3–0 winners. Nigeria also claimed friendly victories in Maputo in 1999 and Lisbon in 2023, while the sides shared a goalless draw and a dramatic Nigerian win during 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Yet AFCON is not a competition built on history alone. Mozambique’s current generation has shown resilience, tactical discipline and a growing belief that they can compete with Africa’s elite. Their willingness to stand toe-to-toe with bigger nations makes Monday’s clash potentially explosive.
Former African Footballer of the Year, Emmanuel Amuneke have cautioned the Super Eagles to approach their Round of 16 clash against Mozambique at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with focus and respect for the opposition, despite Nigeria’s impressive group-stage campaign.
Amuneke praised the Super Eagles for their perfect run in the group phase, describing their progress as well deserved.
“They have done so well. They won their games and they are through to the knockout stage,” Amuneke who scored the brace that helped Nigeria to a 2-1 win over Zambia at the 1994 AFCON Final Match, told NationSports.
But the former Barcelona winger warned that the real test begins in the knockout rounds: “Every team nurses the ambition of progressing but we must be realistic that knockout games are tricky and different. The Eagles have shown that they are eager to win the AFCON for Nigeria and they need our support. We know that the road is still far and the Eagles must brace up.”
Reflecting on past tournaments, Amuneke noted that the current AFCON presents fresh challenges and should not be compared too easily with previous editions.
“The 2021 AFCON is different from the current edition,” he explained.“ Though people will look at previous achievements between both nations, we made it to the final in the last edition and playing up to that extent shows the team has capacity.”
He warned strongly against complacency, adding: “You cannot go into the game assuming that you have won. The Mozambique team have been making progress for quite some time now. They have been able to have players who are competing at top leagues in Europe. They are not a pushover.”
The 1994 African Footballer of the Year stressed that both teams will be equally motivated to secure victory. “Both teams want to win and the Eagles must take their chances and defend very well,” Amuneke concluded.
In the same vein, former youth international Taiwo Enegwea said Nigeria’s performance so far has been encouraging, but insisted that the knockout stage demands a higher level of seriousness. “The performance is not bad based on how they began the competition. They were improving with every game,” he said. “It is not an assurance that we shouldn’t get ourselves prepared for the knockout round. The players must be aware that the knockout stage is a different stage entirely and they must play with all seriousness.”
Enegwea also pointed to the motivation of redemption following Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the last World Cup. “If they are trying to atone for the disappointment of missing the World Cup, they should not only prepare for this one but do the same thing for upcoming games too,” he stated.
He concluded by urging the Super Eagles to show maximum respect for Mozambique, saying, “Mozambique won’t have qualified for the AFCON if they were not good and again for them to make it to the Round of 16 showed they are good. The Eagles should not underrate Mozambique but play the game as if it would be their last in the competition.”
Former Super Eagles midfielder, Sani Kaita, has praised Nigeria’s impressive run at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, describing the team’s group-stage performances as dominant ahead of their Round of 16 clash with Mozambique.
“Firstly, I would like to highlight the performance of the boys so far. We’ve dominated all the three games. Well done to the boys,” Kaita said, hailing the commitment and quality shown by the Super Eagles in the opening phase of the tournament.
However, the 2013 AFCON winner believes the knockout rounds will present a different challenge, insisting that the real test begins now.
“The tournament starts now,” he noted, urging the technical crew to tighten up defensively as the margin for error narrows in the second round.
Kaita specifically pointed to areas that require improvement, especially without the ball. “I hope the coach will work on our defensive responsibilities. As a team, we need to be more compact out of possession,” he said, while also expressing confidence in Nigeria’s attacking strength. “Going forward, we’ve got the quality to beat any team.”
Turning his attention to Mozambique, Kaita cautioned against complacency, acknowledging the threat posed by the Mambas. “Mozambique is a top team and really aggressive,” he warned, but quickly added his belief in the Super Eagles’ superiority, stressing that Nigeria have enough quality “to beat them or any other opposition team in this tournament.”
In conclusion, Kaita offered his full backing to the squad as they chase continental glory in Morocco. “We are praying for them to go all the way and win the tournament,” he said, echoing the hopes of millions of Nigerians as the Super Eagles prepare for the decisive phase of AFCON 2025.
For Nigeria, the challenge will be to marry attacking ambition with defensive concentration. Victor Osimhen’s presence alone demands attention, while Lookman’s movement and Ndidi’s midfield control give the Eagles multiple routes to dominance. However, the concession of four goals in three games suggests there is still room for defensive tightening.
Mozambique, by contrast, will likely prioritise organisation and transitions. Their success against Gabon and competitiveness against Cameroon were built on compactness and opportunism. If they can frustrate Nigeria early, belief could grow — and AFCON has punished favourites before.
ROUND OF 16: MATCH-BY-MATCH TRAILER
Mali vs. Tunisia (Casablanca): A classic West African versus North African duel. Mali’s athleticism and direct play meet Tunisia’s tactical discipline and tournament know-how. This could be one of the tightest fixtures of the round.
Senegal vs. Sudan (Tangier): Senegal enter as favourites with depth and experience, but Sudan’s qualification itself has been a statement. If Senegal underestimate their opponents, this could become uncomfortable.
Morocco vs. Tanzania (Rabat): The hosts carry expectation and home advantage. Tanzania will aim to stay compact and silence the crowd early, but Morocco’s technical quality should shine if patience is maintained.
South Africa vs. Cameroon (Rabat): A fascinating clash of styles. South Africa’s structured build-up faces Cameroon’s physicality and tradition. Fine margins will decide this one.
Egypt vs. Benin Republic (Agadir): Egypt, led by Mohamed Salah, know how to navigate knockout football. Benin’s organisation will be tested against the Pharaohs’ experience and individual brilliance.
Nigeria vs. Mozambique (Fez): The standout narrative tie. Nigeria’s flawless group form meets Mozambique’s historic ambition. Expect intensity, speed and moments of chaos.
Algeria vs. DR Congo (Rabat): Two sides comfortable on the ball. Algeria’s perfect group record makes them favourites, but DR Congo’s physicality and counter-attacking threat loom large.
Côte d’Ivoire vs. Burkina Faso (Marrakech): A repeat of familiar regional rivalry. Defending champions Côte d’Ivoire face a disciplined Burkina Faso side that rarely beats itself.
