The Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, has secured a significant financial windfall following their successful qualification for the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Dominant Victory Seals Quarter-Final Berth and Cash Prize
The team booked their place in the last eight with a commanding 4-0 victory over Mozambique at the Complexe Sportif de Fes. The goals came from a brace by star striker Victor Osimhen, with additional strikes from Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams.
This impressive performance translated directly into tournament prize money. According to reports from Bein Sport, Nigeria has earned $1.3 million, which is equivalent to approximately ₦1.95 billion at current exchange rates, for advancing to the quarter-final stage.
AFCON 2025 Prize Money Structure and Nigeria's Next Challenge
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) increased the total prize pool for this year's tournament. The champion will receive $10 million, a 43% rise from the $7 million awarded in 2023. The prize for the runner-up and other eliminated teams, however, remains unchanged from previous editions.
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) confirmed that the Super Eagles will next face the winner of the Round of 16 clash between Algeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo. That match is scheduled for Tuesday, January 6, 2026, in Rabat.
Super Eagles Squad and Management React to Quarter-Final Achievement
Head coach Eric Chelle addressed the potential opponents, stating he had no strong preference. "I am not sure I would really like to choose between either. Both teams would be tough opponents to play. I look forward to watching their Round of 16 game," Chelle said.
Defender Bright Osayi-Samuel expressed a slight leaning towards facing DR Congo, citing a desire for payback after their World Cup playoff defeat. "It doesn’t matter for me, but I think Congo because they beat us in the World Cup playoff and we need to get our revenge," he told Sporty FM.
Midfielder Frank Onyeka and captain Wilfred Ndidi emphasized the team's internal focus. "I don’t care what the opponent is, we are just focusing on ourselves," Onyeka stated, while Ndidi added, "We look forward to whoever comes next, our main focus is on us."
In a show of support, the Federal Government had earlier approved the sum of ₦3 billion for the team's expenses at the tournament, demonstrating a commitment to a successful campaign following the disappointment of missing the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
