The Federal Government of Nigeria has taken a decisive step to boost the morale of the national football team, the Super Eagles, by approving a substantial financial package ahead of a critical match in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
₦3 Billion Motivation for Round of 16
The government has reportedly sanctioned a sum of three billion naira (₦3,000,000,000) as bonus for the Super Eagles. This move is aimed at covering mounting tournament expenses and motivating the squad as they enter the knockout stage of the competition being held in Morocco.
Nigeria secured its place in the Round of 16 after a flawless performance in the group stage. The team is now set to face the Mambas of Mozambique, who qualified as one of the best third-placed teams from the group phase.
The crucial match is scheduled for January 5, 2025, at 8:00 PM local time. It will be held at the Complexe Sportif de Fes, the same stadium where the Super Eagles played all their group stage matches.
Media Blackout and Financial Incentives
In a related development, head coach Eric Chelle has implemented a strict media blackout around the team's camp. For three days, he restricted access to journalists, including the CAF-permitted 15-minute window, drawing complaints from the Nigerian media contingent in Morocco.
During a press conference, Coach Chelle defended his decision, stating it was necessary to protect his players and ensure total focus on the upcoming match. "I have to take care of my players, I have to work. This is not targeted against you. I want my team to stay focused," Chelle explained. He emphasized that he would be held responsible for the team's performance and needed to create the right environment for success.
On the financial front, reports indicate that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has agreed to pay each player $30,000 for reaching the Round of 16. Additional funds are expected if the team progresses to the quarter-finals. This financial commitment comes at a time when the NFF has faced recent scrutiny over its finances, including incidents before a World Cup playoff.
Journalistic Ethics and Team Targets
A senior Nigerian journalist covering the tournament in Morocco, who spoke anonymously, suggested that Coach Chelle's media restrictions were partly a reaction to changing media dynamics. The journalist pointed to an influx of content creators who sometimes lack traditional journalistic training and ethics, potentially disrupting team preparations in their pursuit of viral content.
Meanwhile, the NFF has set a clear performance target for Coach Eric Chelle. Following Nigeria's failure to qualify for the World Cup, the federation expects the team to at least reach the final of AFCON 2025. This ambition is fueled by the team's performance in the 2023 edition, where they finished as runners-up under former coach Jose Peseiro.
The combination of significant financial backing, a protected training environment, and high expectations sets the stage for a high-stakes encounter as the Super Eagles aim to soar past Mozambique and continue their quest for a fourth African title.
