Super Eagles captain, Wilfred Ndidi, has pledged to personally cover the unpaid match bonuses of players and officials at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco should the Federal Government fail to release the funds before Saturday’s quarter-final clash against Algeria.
Ndidi made the commitment amid concerns that outstanding bonuses could disrupt the team’s focus ahead of the crucial encounter. His remarks were shared on Thursday by BBC journalist Oluwashina Okeleji, following assurances from the Federal Government that payments would be fast-tracked.
According to Ndidi, he has repeatedly encouraged the team to remain professional and focused despite the delay, stressing that he does not want financial issues to affect preparations.
“I have told the players and coaching staff that I will personally settle the bonuses if the authorities do not do so before Saturday,” he said. “We must concentrate fully on the match against Algeria.”
Reports had earlier emerged that players and officials were considering boycotting training and travel to Marrakech over unpaid bonuses from the group stage matches and the round of 16.
Responding to the situation, the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite, disclosed that the group stage bonuses had been released and had passed all regulatory processes. She added that measures had been put in place to prevent similar delays going forward.
In a statement posted on X, the minister said the Federal Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria had streamlined foreign exchange procedures to ensure prompt payment in the players’ preferred currency. She noted that final transfers to players’ domiciliary accounts were already underway and expected to reflect between Thursday and Friday.
The Super Eagles arrived in Marrakech on Thursday and completed a training session ahead of Saturday’s quarter-final showdown with Algeria.
Nigeria are targeting a fourth AFCON title, having previously lifted the trophy in 1980, 1994 and 2013.
