Behind the Scenes: How Nigeria Averted a Crisis Before the Algeria Showdown
9 January 2026
Behind the Scenes: Nigeria Averts a Crisis Before the Algeria Showdown
The Green Eagles have steered their way out of a looming crisis after players threatened to strike and refused to travel to Marrakech for the eagerly anticipated quarterfinal against Algeria, set for Friday in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Nigerian media reports had previously indicated that players would skip the final training session in protest over delayed prize money, despite reaching the knockout stage with four straight wins since the tournament began.
In this context, Doris Uzoka Aniet, Nigeria's finance minister, published an official statement on X outlining the latest updates on bonuses for the national team during AFCON 2025.
She said she was glad to provide an update on the administrative progress related to match bonuses for the national team in AFCON 2025.
She explained that the federal government, in cooperation with the Central Bank of Nigeria, had simplified foreign currency transfers to ensure players receive their payments without delay.
She added that in the next phase, bonus payouts would be fully streamlined to guarantee fast, orderly transfers in line with best international practices.
Uzoka Aniet noted that all bonuses for the group stage had been paid after completing the necessary regulatory steps.
She also confirmed that currency transfers were accelerated according to players' preferences, with final transfers to their bank accounts expected today or tomorrow at the latest.
In closing, the minister stressed that the Nigerian government is fully focused on the welfare of the national team, enabling players to continue delivering top performances in the knockout rounds, with the aim of restoring the continental title to Nigeria.
Nigeria had already swept the group stage with wins over Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda, before a resounding 4-0 victory over Mozambique in the round of 16.
The winner of Nigeria versus Algeria will face the winner of Morocco versus Cameroon in the semifinals.
Semifinal Path Ahead
As the dust settles on the pay talks, all eyes turn to the next hurdle and the chance to advance to the last dance in Morocco. Nigeria’s team, buoyed by group-stage success and a resolved financial roadmap, will look to translate on-field momentum into a deep run in the tournament.
Punchline: In football as in life, timing is everything. And if bonuses drop on time, even the referee will start keeping time.
