The Super Eagles of Nigeria have not only soared into the knockout stages of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 but have also secured a significant financial windfall for their efforts. Their hard-fought 3-2 victory over Tunisia on Saturday, December 27, which confirmed their top spot in Group C with six points, has guaranteed the team a substantial reward from the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Financial Milestone for Nigeria in Morocco
By sealing their place in the Round of 16, the Nigerian national team has earned an initial $800,000, which translates to approximately N1.28 billion. This sum marks the first financial milestone for the Super Eagles in the tournament hosted in Morocco, setting the stage for potentially larger rewards as they progress.
The team's head coach, Eric Chelle, expressed satisfaction with the players' performance against Tunisia, noting it was an improvement over their opening match against Tanzania, despite nearly surrendering a three-goal lead. This resilience has now paid off handsomely in both sporting and financial terms.
CAF Announces 43% Increase in Total Prize Money
The financial stakes at AFCON 2025 are higher than ever. CAF President, Dr. Patrice Motsepe, announced a substantial 43% increase in the winner's prize money compared to the 2023 edition. The announcement was made during a meeting on Saturday, December 20.
The champion of the 2025 tournament will now receive a staggering $10 million (about N16 billion), up from the $7 million awarded at the previous AFCON. In total, CAF is set to distribute $35 million (approximately N56 billion) in prize money across all participating teams, as reported by Bein Sports. This massive injection of funds serves as a major economic boost for football nations across the continent.
Complete Breakdown of AFCON 2025 Prize Money
The reward structure is designed to incentivize performance at every stage of the competition:
- Champion: $10 million
- Runner-up: $4 million
- Semi-finalists: $2.5 million each
- Quarter-finalists: $1.3 million each
- Round of 16: $800,000 (the stage Nigeria has currently reached)
- Best third-placed teams: $700,000
- Fourth place in each group: $500,000
This structure ensures that the final is not just a battle for continental glory but also a contest for a life-changing financial incentive, with a $6 million difference between the winner and the runner-up.
World Cup Disappointment Fuels AFCON Ambition
The Super Eagles' success in Morocco comes against the backdrop of the lingering disappointment of failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be held in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Missing out on that global tournament also meant missing a massive paycheck.
FIFA recently announced that the winner of the next World Cup will receive a whopping $50 million, with even teams exiting at the round of 32 receiving $11 million. This context makes the pursuit of the AFCON title and its accompanying $10 million prize an even more crucial financial and reputational goal for Nigerian football.
As the Super Eagles prepare for their next match in the knockout phase, the dual motivation of national pride and substantial financial reward will undoubtedly be a driving force. The team and its passionate fans now look ahead, hoping that the N1.28 billion earned so far is just the beginning of a much larger payout from a deep and successful run in AFCON 2025.
