Why AFCON 2025 Bonuses for Super Eagles Players Are Delayed: Tinubu Government Explains The Nigerian Government has clarified the delay in bonus payments to Super Eagles players participating in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), attributing the issue to bureaucratic processes rather than negligence. Reports had suggested that the players considered boycotting their quarter-final match against Algeria due to unpaid entitlements, sparking national concern. Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), explained that all players were aware of the payment structure before the tournament and that funds approved for AFCON participation were being processed through the Finance Ministry, the Office of the Accountant General, and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Dikko noted that President Bola Tinubu had approved a special budget for AFCON as far back as November 14, 2025, but stressed that approval does not mean instant disbursement. According to him, AFCON bonuses are structured by tournament progression, not on a per-match basis, and the first phase of funds has already reached the CBN for processing. The NSC chairman assured that daily allowances and initial payments had been made, and the situation was being misrepresented in media reports. He emphasized that the Super Eagles were fully informed about the timing and structure of bonus payments. This explanation comes amid heightened public interest in player welfare and government accountability, highlighting the need for transparent and timely disbursement of funds for national sports teams representing Nigeria on the continental stage.

AFCON Crisis: Will Nigerian Government Pay Super Eagles’ Bonuses Before Friday to Avert Algeria Match Boycott? Tension has erupted in the Nigerian camp at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after reports emerged that the Super Eagles threatened to boycott their crucial match against Algeria unless outstanding bonuses are paid by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). The situation has triggered urgent intervention from the Federal Government, which now says the players will receive their entitlements by Thursday or Friday at the latest. The crisis was first revealed by sports journalist Adepoju Tobi Samuel, who reported that the players had insisted on the full settlement of their match bonuses before travelling to Marrakech for the next fixture. The report was later corroborated by BBC journalist Olúwashínà Okeleji, who confirmed that both players and coaching staff were still awaiting payment. “Players and coaching staff of #Nigeria are waiting on #AFCON2025 bonus payments,” Okeleji wrote, sparking widespread concern among fans who feared that administrative lapses could derail Nigeria’s title push. In response to the growing backlash, the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, issued a statement via her verified X account, assuring Nigerians that the matter was being resolved. According to the minister, the Federal Government, working with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), had addressed the foreign exchange bottlenecks that had delayed payments to the players. She explained that regulatory and currency conversion hurdles had slowed the disbursement process but confirmed that a fast-track system had now been implemented. “The Federal Government and the CBN have successfully streamlined the foreign exchange processing to ensure our players are rewarded without further delay,” she stated. Uzoka-Anite further revealed that group-stage bonuses had already been approved and cleared, and that the final stage of payment was underway. “The final transfers to domiciliary accounts are currently in flight. Players can expect these funds to reflect starting today (Thursday) or tomorrow (Friday),” she said. Beyond resolving the immediate crisis, the minister also announced plans to institutionalise a faster and more transparent payment framework for future tournaments. She noted that the new system would ensure predictable and timely disbursements aligned with international best practices, preventing a repeat of the long-standing bonus disputes that have plagued Nigerian football for years. The controversy has reignited public debate about athlete welfare, administrative efficiency within the NFF, and the impact of off-field issues on on-field performance. Analysts warn that financial uncertainty at critical moments can distract players and undermine team morale, particularly in high-stakes knockout matches. Despite the tension, the government maintains that its priority is the team’s success at AFCON. “Our focus remains entirely on supporting the team’s welfare so they can maintain their incredible momentum in the knockout rounds,” Uzoka-Anite said, concluding with an optimistic message: “We move forward with one goal: Bringing the trophy home!” As Nigeria prepares for the decisive clash against Algeria, all eyes remain on whether the promised payments will arrive in time—and whether the crisis will be resolved without disrupting the Super Eagles’ campaign for continental glory.

BREAKING: Super Eagles Threaten AFCON Boycott Over Unpaid Bonuses January 7, 2026 – Sports / Nigeria Nigeria’s Super Eagles have threatened to boycott their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) match against Algeria in Marrakech due to unpaid winning bonuses from previous games. Journalists on the ground in Morocco, including Adepoju Tobi Samuel and BBC’s Olúwashínà Okeleji, reported that players and coaching staff have yet to receive win bonuses from four matches (against Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, and Mozambique). The squad has stated they will not train or travel for the Algeria fixture until the payments are made. This is not the first time the team has raised issues over unpaid entitlements; in November, they had also threatened to boycott a World Cup qualifier against Gabon over the same concerns. Attempts to get a response from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have so far been unsuccessful. The players emphasized their commitment to the competition but drew a firm line over the unsettled payments.

AFCON 2025: Ademola Lookman Sends Reassuring Message to Victor Osimhen After Heated On-Field Exchange Against Mozambique Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman has addressed teammate Victor Osimhen following a tense on-field exchange during Nigeria’s 4-0 Round of 16 AFCON 2025 win over Mozambique. Lookman, who scored and assisted multiple times, emphasized unity in a post on Instagram, writing, “TOGETHER ALWAYS 🦅🇳🇬.” The confrontation occurred after Osimhen expressed frustration over a lost possession, but coach Eric Chelle downplayed concerns, stating there was no need to publicly discuss internal team matters. Fans and football stars have reacted to Lookman’s message, with many backing the team’s cohesion ahead of the quarterfinals. #AFCON2025 #SuperEagles #AdemolaLookman #VictorOsimhen #NigeriaFootball #TeamSpirit #MozambiqueVsNigeria #FootballNews

House Sports C'ttee Hails Super Eagles Victory Urges Them To Avoid Complacency ‎ ‎The House of Representatives Committee on Sports has urged the Super Eagles to remain focused and avoid complacency as they prepare for their quarterfinal match at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). ‎ ‎Chairman of the Committee, Kabiru Amadu, in a statement applauding Nigeria’s emphatic 4–0 victory over Mozambique in Monday's Round of 16 encounter, stressed the importance of maintaining concentration on winning the trophy as the tournament enters its decisive stages. ‎ ‎The House Sports Committee commends the Super Eagles players and the technical crew for their composure and collective strength so far, which have seen goals produced from all departments of the team. ‎ ‎The Committee reaffirmed the support of the National Assembly and the Federal Government as the Super Eagles continue their quest for continental glory.

AFCON Fallout: Gabon Bans Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Suspends National Team, Sacks Coaches After Shock Exit From Tournament The Gabonese government has imposed sweeping sanctions on the country’s senior national football team following a disastrous outing at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The decision came after Gabon’s 3–2 defeat to defending champions Ivory Coast, sealed by a late injury-time goal, which confirmed the Panthers’ third consecutive loss and bottom-place finish in Group F. Announcing the measures, Sports Minister Simplice-Desire Mamboula said the government had dissolved the entire technical crew, suspended the national team indefinitely, and banned veteran players Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bruno Ecuele Manga from the squad. The move followed earlier criticism after Gabon’s shocking loss to Mozambique, which eliminated the team from knockout-stage contention. President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema described the team’s poor performance as a blow to national identity, citing lack of organisation and inefficient use of resources as key problems. He pledged major structural reforms to restore discipline and ambition in Gabonese sports governance. However, the government’s direct intervention could expose Gabon to possible sanctions from FIFA, which prohibits political interference in the management of national football associations.

Nigeria Misses 2026 World Cup, Osimhen’s €75m Galatasaray Move, Super Falcons’ WAFCON Glory and Other Major Nigerian Football Moments That Defined 2025 Nigerian football in 2025 was a year of sharp contrasts, marked by historic disappointments, landmark achievements and defining off-the-pitch controversies. As the year came to an end, fans reflected on moments that reshaped the nation’s football narrative, with the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup standing out as the most painful low point. After a two-year qualification campaign, Nigeria’s hopes were dashed following a penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo in the African playoffs, leaving millions of supporters heartbroken. Despite the World Cup setback, the year also delivered significant positives. The Super Falcons reaffirmed their dominance in African women’s football by winning a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title, defeating hosts Morocco in the final and earning national acclaim and financial rewards from the federal government. At club level, Remo Stars made history by winning their first-ever Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title, a milestone achievement celebrated across the domestic football scene. Meanwhile, Victor Osimhen’s career took another major turn as the Super Eagles striker completed a record-breaking €75 million permanent transfer to Turkish giants Galatasaray, choosing loyalty and stability over lucrative moves elsewhere. The year also saw notable changes in leadership and personnel. Eric Sekou Chelle became the Super Eagles’ head coach, making history as the first non-Nigerian African to manage the national team. Veteran players William Troost-Ekong and Ahmed Musa retired from international football, closing important chapters in Nigeria’s football history. However, controversies lingered, including protests by Super Eagles players over unpaid allowances and renewed scrutiny of the Nigeria Football Federation over alleged financial mismanagement. Overall, 2025 will be remembered as a turbulent but transformative year for Nigerian football — one defined by World Cup heartbreak, individual brilliance, domestic success, and renewed hopes of redemption at the Africa Cup of Nations.

The reason Victor Osimhen was booked against Tunisia at the AFCON has emerged after the Super Eagles striker ended his seven-game goal drought.

Galatasaray Congratulates Victor Osimhen After First AFCON 2025 Goal Against Tunisia Victor Osimhen opened his goal account at AFCON 2025, scoring a brilliant header and providing an assist in Nigeria’s 3-2 win over Tunisia, helping the Super Eagles secure a spot in the Round of 16. His club, Galatasaray, praised his performance on social media, highlighting his decisive contributions. Osimhen had previously faced frustration with two goals ruled out for offside, making this breakthrough a significant moment. CAF also recognized his goal as the best of match-day six. Nigeria now prepares to face Uganda in their final group game on December 30, with Osimhen in fine form.

Super Eagles Overcome Tunisia To Reach AFCON Round Of 16 Nigeria have six points, Tunisia three and Tanzania and Uganda one each with the final round of group matches set for Tuesday.

AFCON 2025: Primate Ayodele Defends Controversial Prophecy on Ademola Lookman After Super Eagles Star Shines Primate Babatunde Elijah Ayodele, founder of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, has responded to widespread criticism over his prophecy concerning Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The cleric claimed his statement was misinterpreted, stressing that he was referring to Lookman’s overall impact in the tournament, not a single match. His comments came after Lookman delivered an outstanding performance against Tunisia, earning the Man of the Match award and helping Nigeria secure qualification for the knockout stage with a dramatic 3–2 win. Despite the backlash, Primate Ayodele insisted his prophecy remains valid and urged critics to wait until the tournament concludes before passing judgment.

Super Eagles of Nigeria secure their place in the AFCON Round of 16 after defeating Tunisia 3 - 2

Jose Mourinho Reveals Key Strategy for Nigeria to Win AFCON 2025 as Super Eagles Start Strong Former Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho believes Nigeria has the talent, speed, and confidence to win AFCON 2025 in Morocco, emphasizing that unity and focus are crucial under tournament pressure. The Super Eagles began their Group C campaign with a 2-1 win over Tanzania, and striker Victor Osimhen urges the team to focus on the present and learn from past disappointments. With head coach Eric Chelle leading the squad, Nigeria aims to secure its fourth AFCON title by playing as a cohesive unit rather than relying on individual brilliance.

AFCON 2025: Morocco Opens Stadium Gates for Free After Kick-Off as Empty Seats Embarrass Organisers Organisers of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco have come under criticism after resorting to opening stadium gates for free entry once matches were already underway, in a bid to mask embarrassingly low attendance figures during the tournament’s early stages. The move, confirmed by a senior Confederation of African Football (CAF) official speaking anonymously, was jointly approved by CAF and local organisers following repeated scenes of half-empty stadiums across host cities. One of the most striking incidents occurred during the Group F match between Cameroon and Gabon in Agadir, where the game kicked off in front of largely deserted stands despite the stadium’s 45,000 capacity. Heavy rainfall further dampened turnout, but around 20 minutes into the match, gates were thrown open, allowing thousands of fans to enter without paying. This decision dramatically inflated the final attendance figure to 35,200, according to organisers. A similar scenario played out in Rabat during the Group D clash between DR Congo and Benin, where official attendance figures were initially announced as 6,703 before being quietly revised to 13,073 after large numbers of unpaid spectators filled the stadium mid-match. These discrepancies have raised serious questions about the credibility of official attendance data released by tournament organisers. Critics argue that the strategy prioritises optics over transparency, as organisers scramble to present AFCON 2025 as a successful continental showpiece. The controversy is particularly sensitive given Morocco’s ambition to bolster its global sporting reputation ahead of co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal. Despite tickets for most group-stage matches remaining widely available — starting from 100 dirhams — only a handful of fixtures involving Morocco and Algeria have sold out. Observers warn that the free-entry approach risks revenue losses, undermines tournament integrity, and could damage confidence in CAF’s event management standards going forward.

AFCON 2025: French Legend Zinedine Zidane Spotted Supporting Son Luca as Algeria Defeat Sudan 3–0 in Group E Opener Football icon and 1998 FIFA World Cup winner Zinedine Zidane drew widespread attention after being spotted at the AFCON 2025 match between Algeria and Sudan, held at the Stade Prince Moulay Hassan in Rabat, Morocco. The former France and Real Madrid legend was present to support his son, Luca Zidane, who featured as goalkeeper for Algeria’s national team, Les Fennecs, during their Group E opener. Algeria secured a convincing 3–0 victory over Sudan, with Zidane watching from the VIP section as cameras captured him in the 24th minute, sparking excitement among fans across Africa and on social media. His presence added emotional significance to the match, as supporters praised the three-time FIFA World Player of the Year for publicly backing his son on one of African football’s biggest stages. Social media users lauded Zidane’s strong family values, describing him as a proud father watching Luca carve out his own identity in international football. Many highlighted the symbolism of Luca wearing jersey number 23, while representing Algeria rather than France, as a continuation of the Zidane legacy in a new direction. Luca Zidane has previously explained his decision to play for Algeria, citing his family roots and deep cultural connection to the country through his grandfather. He described the call-up as an obvious and emotional choice, noting that his family fully supported the decision. Zidane’s appearance at AFCON 2025 further underlined the global appeal of the tournament, as Algeria began their campaign in strong fashion while capturing the hearts of football fans with a moment that blended sporting excellence with family pride.

Gernot Rohr Slams CAF Over VAR Failure After Benin Republic Denied Clear Penalty in AFCON 2025 Loss to DR Congo Former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has strongly criticised the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following a VAR failure that denied Benin Republic a potential penalty during their 1–0 defeat to DR Congo at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Rohr accused CAF of poor officiating, technical incompetence and unfair treatment of smaller nations after VAR went offline for over 15 minutes when a suspected handball occurred. The incident has sparked outrage, with Benin reportedly submitting an official petition to CAF amid growing concerns over refereeing standards and tournament organisation. #AFCON2025 #GernotRohr #CAFControversy

Davido Meets Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio in Freetown Ahead of AFCON Concert, Reflects on Historic 50,000-Capacity Show and Promises Bigger Stadium Performance Afrobeats superstar Davido has strengthened his growing reputation as a cultural diplomat after paying a courtesy visit to Sierra Leone’s President, Julius Maada Bio, in Freetown ahead of his AFCON 2025 concert appearance. The “Timeless” hitmaker, who is currently on his 5ive Alive World Tour, described Sierra Leone as his “second home” while reminiscing about his iconic 2017 performance that drew over 50,000 fans. President Bio praised Davido for consistently projecting African culture on the global stage, as the singer hinted at plans for an even bigger stadium concert in the near future. The visit, which coincided with AFCON festivities, further cements Davido’s influence beyond music, following similar high-profile engagements with world leaders including Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu and France’s Emmanuel Macron. #Davido #AFCON2025 #AfricanEntertainment

Tinubu Sends Delegation to Morocco as Super Eagles Face Tanzania in AFCON 2025 Presidential Support: President Bola Tinubu dispatched a Nigerian delegation to Morocco to support the Super Eagles ahead of their Group C opener against Tanzania on December 23, 2025, at Fez Stadium. Delegation Members Include: Senator Abdul Ningi – Chairman, Senate Committee on Sports Kabiru Amadu Mai Palace – Chairman, House Committee on Sports CG Bashir Adewale Adeniyi – Comptroller General, Nigeria Customs Service Shehu Dikko – Chairman, National Sports Commission Ibrahim Musa Gusau – President, Nigeria Football Federation Janet Olisa – Special Adviser on International Relations Acting Nigerian Ambassador to Morocco Motivation and Welfare: The delegation presented players with houses, plots of land, and national honours, rewards promised after their 2023 AFCON runner-up finish. They also checked on training and welfare arrangements. Tournament Updates: Nigeria’s first match against Tanzania kicks off at 6:30 PM, followed by games against Tunisia and Uganda in the group stage. AFCON Kick-Off Event: Afrobeats star Davido performed at the official pre-tournament concert in Rabat, energizing fans with his hit songs. Key Takeaway: The Nigerian government is actively boosting morale and support for the Super Eagles, showing commitment to player welfare and national pride ahead of AFCON 2025.

Omoooo‼️ That AFCON opening ceremony performance was pure 🔥! Davido and French Montana didn’t just perform—they sent a message: African music is now global stage-ready. 🌍✨ From the vibes of Lagos straight to Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Morocco, the energy was insane. Two worlds, one stage, one massive crowd, and Africa at the center of it all. Davido carrying the culture on his back, flexing that Afrobeats power like only he can. 💥🎶 This wasn’t just a show—it was history in motion. Africa’s sound, Africa’s story, Africa’s stage. And trust me, the whole world was watching. 🌐🔥

AFCON 2025: Davido Predicts Nigeria vs Morocco in Finals, Shares $96,500 Bet on Super Eagles Nigerian music superstar Davido has made bold predictions ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 final, forecasting a 3-0 victory for Nigeria over Morocco. Speaking ahead of the tournament, Davido shared his top picks on social media, including a high-stakes bet on Nigeria’s Group C match against Tanzania with potential winnings of $96,564. The singer expressed confidence in the Super Eagles, reflecting his unwavering support for the national team. Davido also performed at the AFCON official kick-off concert in Rabat, Morocco, energizing fans alongside other international artists. His predictions and social media posts have generated widespread excitement and debate among fans, who are closely following Nigeria’s journey in the tournament. Known for his previous high-profile bets on football matches, Davido continues to show his enthusiasm for sports, combining music and football to rally support for the Super Eagles.