The Federal Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria have resolved administrative bottlenecks delaying match bonus payments for Nigeria’s national team at AFCON 2025, with funds now reaching players.
In a statement posted on X, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Hon (Dr) Doris Nkiruka Uzoka Anite, confirmed that foreign exchange processes have been streamlined to ensure timely payments to the players.
“I am pleased to provide an update on the administrative progress regarding the match bonuses for our national team at AFCON 2025,” she said.
Uzoka Anite disclosed that all group stage bonuses have already been released and cleared regulatory requirements, following coordination between the Federal Government and the CBN.
“The Federal Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) have successfully streamlined the foreign exchange processing to ensure our players are rewarded without further delay,” she stated.
According to the minister, authorities have also introduced measures to speed up currency conversion in line with players’ preferences.
“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 payments is already underway, with players set to receive funds imminently.
“The final transfers to domiciliary accounts are currently in flight. Players can expect these funds to reflect starting today or tomorrow,” Uzoka Anite said.
The minister stressed that the reforms will not be limited to the current tournament, noting that systems are being put in place to avoid similar delays in future.
“Going forward, the process will be fully streamlined to ensure faster, more predictable disbursements aligned with international best practice,” she said.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to the team’s welfare, Uzoka Anite said attention remains on supporting the Super Eagles as they advance in the competition.
“Our focus remains entirely on supporting the team’s welfare so they can maintain their incredible momentum in the knockout rounds,” she said, adding, “We move forward with one goal: Bringing the trophy home!”
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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