The Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has successfully intervened to resolve a critical payment delay concerning the Super Eagles' match bonuses at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025. This move comes after days of intense public scrutiny and concern over administrative hold-ups related to foreign exchange processing.
Swift Intervention to Protect Team Morale
In a statement made on 8 January 2026, the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, confirmed the decisive action. The primary goal was to shield the national team from off-pitch distractions as they prepare for the tournament's crucial knockout stages. The minister emphasized that all bonuses for the group-stage matches have now been fully released and have cleared the necessary regulatory procedures.
She assured the public that the final transfers to the players' domiciliary accounts are currently in progress. The funds are expected to reflect in the accounts starting from today, 8 January, or at the latest, by tomorrow, 9 January 2026. This development directly addresses the welfare concerns that had mounted around the squad, following reports that delays in converting the Nigerian Naira to foreign currency had slowed the process of crediting players' preferred accounts.
Root Cause: Regulatory Compliance, Not Financial Willingness
Dr. Uzoka-Anite was clear that the issue was procedural and not a matter of non-payment or unwillingness to pay. The challenge stemmed from the strict regulatory compliance requirements governing foreign exchange conversion and cross-border financial transfers. "These were not issues of non-payment or unwillingness to pay. They were administrative bottlenecks related to FX processing, which had to be resolved without breaching existing financial regulations," the minister explained.
To break the logjam, the Ministry of Finance worked closely with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other relevant financial institutions. Their collaboration led to the creation and implementation of an accelerated FX conversion process. This special framework allowed the bonus funds to be moved swiftly into foreign currency, in line with the players' stated preferences.
Setting a New Benchmark for Future Tournaments
The minister highlighted that this exercise has established a new operational standard for handling player entitlements during international competitions. The newly streamlined process is expected to ensure faster and more predictable disbursements in the future, aligning Nigeria's practices with international best standards for elite football tournaments.
Government sources reiterated that beyond the immediate resolution, the paramount priority was to maintain the team's focus and composure. The Super Eagles, under head coach Éric Chelle, have earned praise for their resilient performances in the group stage, rekindling national optimism about their continental ambitions.
Sports analysts and enthusiasts note that this swift resolution underscores the vital importance of seamless institutional support in high-stakes competitions. The recent episode also highlights the pressing need for long-term reforms in administering players' financial entitlements, especially in an era marked by volatile foreign exchange conditions.
