Nigeria’s Super Eagles have been hit by a major off-field distraction at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, as a dispute over unpaid bonuses threatens to disrupt preparations for their quarter-final showdown with Algeria.
Despite enjoying a perfect run at the tournament, the Nigerian players and coaching crew are reportedly yet to receive win bonuses for any of their four victories so far. The Super Eagles have swept aside Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda in the group stage before dismantling Mozambique 4–0 in the Round of 16, emerging as one of the most entertaining and prolific teams at AFCON 2025.
The issue was brought to light by respected sports journalist Olúwashínà Okeleji, who revealed on 𝕏 that both players and staff are still waiting for payments linked to those wins.
According to him, while the squad remains mentally locked in on the competition, they are prepared to halt training and cancel their planned trip to Marrakech if the matter is not resolved. As it stands, the team has stayed back in Fez and declined to train in protest.
The standoff casts a shadow over what has otherwise been an impressive campaign. Nigeria topped Group C, boast the highest goal tally in the tournament, and are widely viewed as strong contenders for the title. However, the uncertainty surrounding their welfare could affect momentum ahead of one of the most demanding matches of the competition.
This is not unfamiliar territory for Nigerian football. Similar scenes played out in November 2025, when players went on strike over unpaid allowances prior to World Cup playoff fixtures against Gabon—a situation that was eventually settled within a day. The Nigeria Football Federation has repeatedly come under fire for delayed payments, with reports also suggesting that head coach Eric Chelle was owed outstanding remuneration before AFCON kicked off.
Also Read: Kenneth Okonkwo Slams APC, Says ADC Is Nigeria’s Only Hope
Nigeria are scheduled to face Algeria in the quarter-finals on Saturday at 5 p.m., but with tensions simmering off the pitch, attention is now firmly on whether administrators can act swiftly to prevent another high-profile crisis from overshadowing the Super Eagles’ quest for continental glory.
