The Minister of State for Finance, Dr Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, has provided clarity on the recent delay in paying allowances and bonuses to Nigeria's Super Eagles at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. This follows reports that players considered boycotting their crucial quarter-final match against Algeria scheduled for Saturday, January 10, 2026.
Government Streamlines Forex Process for Payments
In a statement released on Thursday, January 8, 2026, Dr Uzoka-Anite assured the nation that the administrative hurdles causing the delay have been overcome. She confirmed that the Federal Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) have successfully streamlined the foreign exchange processing required for the payments.
The minister detailed that all bonuses for the group stage matches have been fully released and have cleared the necessary regulatory stages. A special fast-track process has been implemented to convert the funds into foreign currency, aligning with the preferences of the players and officials.
Final Transfers in Progress, Focus on Team Welfare
Dr Uzoka-Anite stated that the final step of transferring the funds to the players' domiciliary accounts is currently in progress. She indicated that the players should see the funds reflected from Wednesday, January 7, or Thursday, January 8, 2026.
"Our focus remains entirely on supporting the team’s welfare so they can maintain their incredible momentum in the knockout rounds," the Minister emphasized. "We move forward with one goal: bringing the trophy home."
She added that the new, streamlined process would ensure faster and more predictable disbursements in the future, in line with international best practices.
NSC Official Cites Fan Pressure as Source of Boycott Rumours
Meanwhile, a top official from the National Sports Commission (NSC) has presented a different angle to the story. The official, who spoke anonymously, denied that the players ever made a serious threat to boycott the quarter-final match against Algeria.
The official pointed to financial pressure from some Nigerian fans currently in Morocco as the root of the problem and the subsequent media reports. According to the source, fans have been approaching players for various financial favours.
"Once the players respond that they have not been paid, they (fans or journalists) will go to town with all manner of stories," the NSC official explained. "They should allow the players to concentrate on why we are here."
The official confirmed that the team trained normally in Fes on Wednesday and was scheduled to depart for Marrakech by 12 noon on Thursday, January 8, 2026, for their knockout match.
This clarification from both the Finance Ministry and the NSC aims to settle the matter and allow the Super Eagles to focus fully on their quest for the AFCON 2025 trophy in Morocco.
