The Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, can now focus solely on their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarterfinal clash after the Federal Government successfully resolved a payment dispute that had threatened to disrupt their campaign in Morocco.
Payment Bottleneck Cleared by Finance Ministry
The Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, provided clarity on Wednesday, January 9, 2026, ending speculation about delayed allowances and winning bonuses for players and officials. This intervention came amid reports that the team had considered boycotting their crucial knockout match against Algeria due to the unpaid entitlements.
Dr. Uzoka-Anite explained that the holdup was not due to a lack of funds but was caused by administrative procedures related to foreign exchange conversion and international transfers. She emphasized that the Federal Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) collaborated to fast-track the process, ensuring compliance with financial regulations while prioritizing the team's welfare.
Streamlined Process for Future Disbursements
In a detailed statement, the minister outlined the steps taken to resolve the issue. All bonuses for the group stage matches have been fully processed and have cleared the necessary regulatory checks. An accelerated foreign exchange conversion mechanism was implemented to move the funds into the foreign currency preferred by the players.
The final step, the transfer to the players' domiciliary accounts, was confirmed to be in progress. "Players can expect these funds to reflect starting today (Wednesday) or tomorrow," Dr. Uzoka-Anite assured. She added that this new, streamlined framework sets a benchmark for handling player entitlements at future international tournaments, promising faster and more predictable payments aligned with global standards.
Focus Returns to Football as Eagles Soar
The swift resolution aims to eliminate any off-field distractions as the Super Eagles enter the most critical phase of AFCON 2025. The team's impressive and resilient performances in the group stage had already reignited national hope for a continental title.
Earlier, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, had attributed the delay to structural changes within the Ministry of Finance, noting it was not a deliberate act limited to sports. The government's priority has now shifted to fully supporting the team's momentum. "Our focus remains entirely on supporting the team's welfare so they can maintain their incredible momentum in the knockout rounds. We move forward with one goal: Bringing the trophy home," the minister concluded.
This episode highlights the critical need for efficient financial administration in supporting elite athletes, especially in tournaments of this magnitude, ensuring that players' focus remains unwavering on the pitch.
