The Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, has secured a substantial financial windfall following their impressive run to the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Victory Over Algeria Seals Semi-Final Spot and Cash Prize
A commanding 2-0 victory over Algeria in the quarter-final stage, courtesy of goals from strikers Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams, propelled Nigeria into the last four of the continental tournament. This crucial win not only ended the journey of the Desert Foxes but also guaranteed the Super Eagles a significant share of the competition's increased prize pool.
According to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), each semi-finalist in the 2025 edition is entitled to $2.5 million. This means the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has already earned this sum, regardless of the outcome of their next match. The prize money was announced by CAF President Patrice Motsepe prior to the tournament, marking a 43% increase for the winners, who will now receive $10 million.
Morocco Awaits in High-Stakes Semi-Final Clash
The Eagles' reward for their quarter-final triumph is a daunting semi-final encounter against the host nation, Morocco. The match is scheduled for Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at the Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah. This sets up a high-stakes North vs West Africa showdown, with a place in the final and a chance at the increased championship purse on the line.
In the other semi-final, a repeat of the 2021 final will see Egypt face Senegal, adding to the prestige and intensity of the tournament's climax.
Team Focus and Financial Backing
When questioned about the NFF's pre-tournament targets and whether reaching the semi-finals was satisfactory, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle emphasized a game-by-game mentality. "My ambition is to win every game. When we win a game, we have to stay focused on the next game," Chelle stated in an interview with Elegbete TV. He shifted the focus onto the players' performances, noting, "I'm not on the pitch; this is on the players."
The team's campaign has also been bolstered by strong financial support from home. The Federal Government approved the sum of ₦3 billion to cover the Super Eagles' expenses at the tournament in Morocco. The NFF has confirmed receipt of these funds and indicated that additional performance bonuses will be paid to the players and technical staff as they advance further in the competition.
With the monetary incentive secured and national pride at stake, the Super Eagles now turn their full attention to overcoming Morocco, aiming to go one step further than their runner-up finish in the 2023 edition and lift the AFCON trophy.
