The Federal Government has confirmed that all group-stage bonuses owed to Super Eagles players at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) have been released and are expected to reflect in the players’ domiciliary accounts within hours.
The Minister of State for Finance, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, disclosed this on Thursday while reacting to reports suggesting the team was considering boycotting training and might refuse to travel to Marrakesh for their quarter-final clash against Algeria over unpaid bonuses.
In a post on her official X handle, Uzoka-Anite said the concerns had been resolved through coordinated efforts by the Federal Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
“The Federal Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria have successfully streamlined to ensure faster, more predictable disbursements aligned with international best practice,” she said.
According to the minister, all bonuses earned by the players during the group stage of the tournament have been fully processed and cleared through the necessary regulatory procedures.
“All group-stage bonuses were fully released and have now cleared the required regulatory stages,” she stated.
Uzoka-Anite further explained that a fast-track process was introduced to accommodate the players’ preference for foreign currency payments.
“We have implemented a fast-track conversion process to move funds into foreign currency, honouring the players’ preferences,” she said.
She added that the final stage of the payment process was already ongoing, with transfers to the players’ domiciliary accounts in progress.
“The final transfers to domiciliary accounts are currently in flight. Players can expect these funds to reflect starting today (Thursday) or tomorrow (Friday),” she noted.
The minister emphasised the government’s commitment to the welfare and morale of the national team as they advance into the knockout phase of the competition.
“Our focus remains entirely on supporting the team’s welfare so they can maintain their incredible momentum in the knockout rounds,” Uzoka-Anite said, adding, “We move forward with one goal: bringing the trophy home!”
Dip Connects Online News reports that the confirmation is expected to calm tensions and allow the Super Eagles to concentrate fully on their quarter-final fixture as they continue their AFCON 2025 campaign.
Elijah Adeyemi
