Nigeria’s Super Eagles players are reportedly still waiting for their $17,500 bronze-medal bonuses following the team’s third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, with the outstanding payments raising fresh concerns over players’ welfare and football administration.

According to reports by BSN Sports and SCORENigeria, the bonus remains unpaid nine months after Nigeria defeated Egypt 4-2 on penalties in the third-place play-off in January, following a goalless draw after regulation time.

The report claims that the funds had already been received by the relevant authorities, but the players were yet to receive their individual payments despite assurances that the money would be disbursed.

A source quoted in the report expressed concern about the effect of the delay on relations between the players and football authorities.

“Team spirit in the Super Eagles is at an all-time low. The players have lost confidence in the authorities on account of this bonus,” the source said.

The latest development comes at a difficult period for the national team following Nigeria’s recent 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in an Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying match.

Reports have also alleged that some players were unhappy about changes to allowances for the September qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. The claims have not been independently confirmed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

The controversy has renewed scrutiny of the administration of players’ financial entitlements, particularly following earlier disputes over payments during major international competitions.

In January, Super Eagles players and members of the technical crew reportedly threatened to boycott training and delay their travel to Marrakech ahead of the AFCON quarter-final against Algeria over outstanding match bonuses.

The situation was eventually addressed after discussions involving the football authorities and the National Sports Commission (NSC).

At the time, NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko said the tournament bonuses had been approved and were undergoing the necessary payment processes, with the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Nigeria involved in facilitating disbursement. 

The Federal Government also announced in January that group-stage bonuses had been processed and that transfers to players’ domiciliary accounts were under way. 

The latest allegation, however, concerns the separate $17,500 bonus reportedly due to each player for Nigeria’s third-place finish.

Nigeria’s AFCON campaign ended with a bronze medal after the Super Eagles overcame Egypt in the penalty shoot-out. Despite the achievement, the post-tournament period has now been overshadowed by renewed questions about whether all agreed financial commitments have been honoured.

The report also recalled that several players, including Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, Paul Onuachu, Chidozie Awaziem, Chidera Ejuke and Akor Adams, reportedly left Casablanca before the medal presentation ceremony. Former NFF president Ibrahim Gusau attributed their early departures to pressure from their respective clubs.

As of the publication of the reports, neither the NFF nor the NSC had provided a response specifically addressing the latest claim that the bronze-medal bonuses remain outstanding. 

An official clarification from the relevant authorities would help establish the current payment status and when the players can expect to receive any outstanding amounts.