AFCON 2025: Ndidi pledges to pay Super Eagles unpaid bonuses if NFF fails

AFCON 2025: Ndidi pledges to pay Super Eagles unpaid bonuses if NFF fails

Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has pledged to pay all outstanding winning bonuses at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco if the Federal Government and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) fail to settle the payments before Saturday.

Despite assurances from the Federal Government and the National Sports Commission (NSC), the three-time African champions are yet to receive winning bonuses for their first four matches at AFCON 2025.

Read Also: AFCON: Super Eagles threaten to boycott training over unpaid win bonuses

“I’ve been pushing the team to train and play the game vs Algeria. I’ve been doing this since the second game,” Ndidi was quoted by BBC journalist Oluwashina Okeleji on Thursday in a post on X.

“I’ve now made a commitment to the staff and players that I’ll personally pay the bonuses if the authorities fail to before Saturday. I don’t want these unpaid bonuses to affect our preparations.”

He added that he had reassured both players and the coaching staff of his readiness to personally step in if the situation persisted.

Read Also: Super Eagles AFCON bonuses approved, CBN working on payments — NSC Chairman

Recall that the Super Eagles on Wednesday threatened to boycott training and delay travel to Marrakech over unpaid bonuses for their three group-stage matches and the round of 16 at the tournament.

The team is owed win bonuses for victories over Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda and Mozambique. Reports indicated that the players warned they would not train or travel unless the issue was resolved.

The development sparked outrage among Nigerian fans. In response, NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko stated that all financial entitlements, including match bonuses owed to players and officials, have been approved and are currently being processed for payment.

Similarly, Uzoka-Anite had earlier assured that payments were already underway.

However, Ndidi’s comments suggest the players are yet to receive the bonuses, just days before a crucial quarter-final clash against Algeria on Saturday.

The Super Eagles are expected to depart Fès for Marrakech on Thursday ahead of the encounter at the Stade de Marrakech, with a place in the semi-finals at stake.

Head of Sports at BusinessDay Media, a seasoned Digital Content Producer, and FIFA/CAF Accredited Journalist with over a decade of sports reporting.Has a deep understanding of the Nigerian and global sports landscape and skills in delivering comprehensive and insightful sports content.

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