Morale Boost As Bonus Funds Set To Reflect In Domiciliary Accounts

By TAYO TAIWO (T. T.) OLUWOLE

Momentum, Morale, Money

THE Federal Government’s confirmation that Super Eagles’ match bonuses are on track has delivered a morale lift to the squad, preserving Nigeria’s momentum heading into the AFCON 2025 quarter-final against Algeria at the Stade de Marrakech on Saturday.

Finance Minister Uzoka-Anite confirmed that the group-stage bonuses have been fully released, while transfers — following a fast-tracked naira-to-FX conversion process — are now being routed to the players’ domiciliary accounts, per squad preference. Alerts are expected to reflect from today or tomorrow.

Her statement echoed Dikko’s earlier assurances that President Tinubu had approved the AFCON 2025 budget on 14 November 2025, and that bonus entitlements were collectively negotiated and agreed between the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and senior squad representatives, including the captain and co-captain.

For the players, the issue was not whether the funds existed, but when they could reliably access them in foreign currency — a practical concern for a squad dominated by Europe-based professionals who operate outside Nigeria’s daily banking rails.

Nigeria’s performance in the tournament has been electrifying. The Eagles have netted 12 goals, none more symbolic than the 4–0 dismantling of Mozambique in the Round of 16, and now face Algeria in a high-pressure duel of continental heavyweights.

Uzoka-Anite emphasised the government’s singular objective: to support the team’s welfare so they can finish strong and return AFCON glory to Nigeria. Dikko reiterated that the Ministry of Finance and the CBN were coordinating the final disbursement cycle, ensuring entitlements land before the knockout climax.

For the Eagles, money meets morale at just the right time — and the roar to “bring the trophy home” has never sounded more unified.