This financial injection, reported widely by credible Nigerian media outlets including SCORENigeria, Legit.ng, Daily Post Nigeria, Soccernet.ng, The Nation Newspaper, and state-backed Radio Nigeria Lagos, aims to cover logistical expenses, player allowances, and other mounting costs associated with the month-long competition.
The announcement comes at a pivotal moment as the three-time African champions prepare for their Round of 16 showdown against Mozambique on Monday, January 5, 2026, at the Complexe Sportif de Fès in Fez (kick-off at 8:00 PM local time, 7:00 PM West Africa Time). Nigeria, under French-Malian coach Éric Chelle, topped Group C with a perfect record of three wins from three matches, showcasing dominant performances that included eight goals scored—the highest in the group stage. Stars like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman (recent African Footballer of the Year winners), and supporting cast members such as Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, and William Troost-Ekong have been instrumental in building momentum.
The ₦3 billion package is described as an “initial disbursement,” with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) anticipating additional funds if the team advances deeper into the knockouts. This support underscores the government’s commitment to eliminating off-field distractions, allowing the players to focus solely on performance. NFF officials have expressed confidence that more releases will follow to manage escalating expenses, such as travel, accommodation, and medical support in Morocco.
Player and Staff Incentives: A Major Motivational Boost
To further incentivize the squad, the NFF has agreed on enhanced bonuses following negotiations with the players. Key highlights include:
• $30,000 (approximately ₦48 million) per player for reaching the Round of 16—a doubling of the initial $15,000 proposal after players pushed for better terms.
• Additional performance-based rewards for victories in the knockout stages.
• Sponsors and partners have upped goal-scoring incentives: $10,000 (about ₦14-16 million) per goal in the Round of 16 match against Mozambique, compared to $5,000 during the group stage.
Head coach Éric Chelle has also benefited from the financial stability. Reports confirm that all his outstanding salaries, including January 2026 pay, match bonuses ($20,000 per group win, totaling $60,000), and daily allowances ($400 per day in camp) have been cleared. Chelle, on a $55,000 monthly salary under a two-year contract, now leads a motivated technical crew into the knockouts.
These incentives are designed to keep the camp harmonious and focused. As one report noted, the government and NFF are “doing everything possible” to ensure success, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu having approved an “AFCON Intervention Fund” as far back as November 2025.
The Opponent: Mozambique – Underdogs with Bite
Nigeria enters as overwhelming favorites against Mozambique (nicknamed the Mambas), who are making their historic first appearance in the AFCON knockout stage. Mozambique qualified as one of the best third-placed teams from Group F, despite a final group loss to Cameroon. Coached by Chiquinho Conde, they have shown resilience, scoring four goals in the group stage and securing their maiden AFCON win earlier in the tournament.
Head-to-head history heavily favors Nigeria: In 15 previous encounters, the Super Eagles have 11 wins, 4 draws, and no losses, with Mozambique scoring 12 goals to Nigeria’s 38. Their last AFCON meeting was a 3-0 Nigeria victory in 2010. However, experts warn against complacency—Mozambique has goals in their attack and could exploit any lapses, especially given Nigeria’s concession of four goals in the groups.
If Nigeria progresses, they are likely to face either Algeria or the Democratic Republic of Congo in the quarter-finals (scheduled for January 9-10, 2026).
Tournament Context: Nigeria’s Path to Glory
The 2025 AFCON, the 35th edition, is being hosted by Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026—the first time over the Christmas/New Year period to avoid clashes with European club schedules. Twenty-four teams competed in the group stage, with 16 advancing to the knockouts. Nigeria is among the top favorites alongside hosts Morocco, reigning champions Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Egypt, and Algeria.
The Super Eagles’ group dominance—one of only two teams with nine points—positions them well for a deep run. Chelle’s side aims to surpass their runners-up finish in 2023 (lost to Côte d’Ivoire) and claim Nigeria’s first title since 2013. With stars in form and financial backing secured, expectations are sky-high back home.
On the opposing side, Mozambique’s President Daniel Francisco Chapo has promised an “extraordinary bonus” of $7,000 per player for an upset victory, adding extra motivation to the underdogs.
As the Round of 16 kicks off (some matches already played on January 3-4), all eyes will be on Fez for this David-vs-Goliath clash. A win for Nigeria would not only unlock further bonuses but also edge them closer to continental immortality. Fans across Africa and the diaspora are urged to rally behind the Super Eagles as they chase glory in Morocco.
