Nigeria Bows to Strike Threats Ahead of Algeria Clash, Promises Bonuses
8 January 2026
Nigeria Bows to Strike Demands Ahead of Algeria Clash
Nigerian authorities capitulated to the demands of the national team players, who threatened to go on strike and skip travel to Marrakech for Friday's Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal against Algeria in Morocco.
Reports from Nigerian press on Wednesday indicate the players, known as the Green Eagles, threatened not to train on Thursday due to unpaid prize money after reaching the last eight with four wins.
Bonuses to be Paid and the Quick Turnaround
State Finance Minister Doris Uzoka-Anite announced that bonuses would be paid either today or Friday, after the threats to not travel to Marrakech. The ministry said administrative steps were completed and payments would be processed shortly, with currency exchange arrangements simplified and transfers to players' local accounts underway.
Media reports, including Le Parisien quoting Nigerian outlets, noted ministers responded via media channels, claiming funds are ready and that the process to transfer funds into foreign currencies chosen by each player has been accelerated.
The team had beaten Tanzania (2-1), Tunisia (3-2), and Uganda (3-1) in the group stage, then crushed Mozambique (4-0) in the Round of 16. The winner of Nigeria–Algeria will face the Morocco–Cameroon victor in the semifinals.
And yes, if football could pay its bills, it would finally learn to master the art of the exchange rate. Meanwhile, the trophy itself might start negotiating its own contract—after all, it’s tired of being the unpaid intern of the competition.
