The Super Eagles’ campaign at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 in Morocco has been overshadowed by a disturbing trend – the delay in payment of winning bonuses to the players. This is not the first time this has happened, and it’s high time someone took responsibility for this recurring issue.
The players, who have been performing creditably for the country, deserve to be rewarded for their efforts. Instead, they’re forced to protest and raise their voices to get what’s rightfully theirs. This is unacceptable and demoralizing, to say the least. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the government must take immediate action to address this issue. The players are not asking for favors; they’re demanding their entitlements.
The delay in payment is not only affecting the team’s morale but also tarnishing the image of Nigerian football. It’s time for accountability. Someone, somewhere, needs to be held responsible for this mess. The players have done their part; it’s time for the authorities to do theirs. The circle of delay and discontent must end now.
The NFF and the government should pay the outstanding bonuses immediately and put in place a transparent payment system to avoid future delays. Those responsible for the delay should be held accountable. The Super Eagles deserve better. Nigeria deserves better. It’s time for change.
The recurring nature of this issue is a clear indication that the system is flawed. It’s not just about paying the players their bonuses; it’s about respecting their efforts and contributions to Nigerian football. The authorities must take concrete steps to address this issue and ensure that the players are treated fairly.
The issue of delayed payment of bonuses to Super Eagles players is a recurring problem that has plagued Nigerian football for years. Going back to 1981, a revolt over pay parity before a key match against Algeria ended with Nigeria missing the 1982 World Cup. In 1989, players refused to board a plane to Cameroon over unpaid bonuses, causing Nigeria to lose and fail to qualify for Italia ’90. Another bonus row disrupted the squad before facing Denmark at France ’98, resulting in a humiliating 4-1 exit.
More recently, in 2014, the team boycotted training before a Round of 16 clash with France in Brazil, but the government flew cash to Brazil overnight, and Nigeria still lost 2-0. In 2019, the Super Eagles were beaten 2-1 by Algeria in the semi-finals, with players complaining of unpaid bonuses. Fast forward to 2025, the team threatened to boycott training and travel to Marrakech over unpaid bonuses for group stage fixtures and the round of 16.
The Federal Government has promised to address the issue, with Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite, assuring that administrative processes have been streamlined to ensure faster payments. Super Eagles captain, Wilfred Ndidi, even pledged to personally pay the bonuses if the government fails to do so.
The brouhaha over delayed payment of bonuses has become a recurrent decimal, and it’s high time the Federal Government drew a red line for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). If payment is delayed henceforth, the NFF execs should be punished. The players deserve better, and Nigerian football deserves better.
The players are the backbone of Nigerian football, and they deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. It’s time for the NFF and the government to put the players first and address this issue once and for all.