The Super Eagles of Nigeria are set to embark on a quest for glory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, with the tantalizing prospect of a $7 million cash prize awaiting the tournament champions. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has maintained a total prize pot of $32 million for the competition, mirroring the 2023 edition.
Financial Incentive for Continental Success
Motivation for the Nigerian squad extends beyond national pride, as CAF has outlined a lucrative reward structure for the participating nations. The ultimate winner of AFCON 2025 will pocket a staggering $7 million. The runner-up will receive $4 million, while the two losing semi-finalists will each get $2.5 million. Teams exiting at the quarter-final stage are set to earn $1.3 million each.
Even teams that do not progress beyond the initial rounds will receive financial compensation. Reaching the Round of 16 guarantees $800,000. Finishing third in the group stage yields $700,000, and the team that places fourth in each group will still take home $500,000.
Road to Redemption for the Super Eagles
Under the guidance of manager Eric Chelle, the Nigerian team aims to improve on their runner-up finish in the last edition and clinch their first AFCON title since 2013. The current squad, featuring star players like former CAF Players of the Year Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, carries the hopes of a nation eager to end the 12-year drought.
However, the journey comes against a backdrop of subdued expectations from some fans, following the team's failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and a recent underwhelming pre-tournament friendly against Egypt.
Group Stage Schedule and Tournament Dates
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is scheduled to run from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. Nigeria has been drawn in Group C alongside Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda.
The Super Eagles will begin their campaign on Tuesday, December 23, facing Tanzania at the Complexe Sportif de Fès Stadium. Their second match is against Tunisia on December 27, before concluding the group stage against Uganda on December 30 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
The team has already made a stylish arrival in Morocco, with players and officials departing from Cairo, Egypt, adorned in green native attire, signaling their readiness for the continental challenge ahead.
