The clouds of uncertainty hanging over Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 campaign have officially cleared! After a tense 24 hours involving rumors of a training boycott and a refusal to travel, the Super Eagles have touched down in Marrakech, Morocco this afternoon, ready to fight for a place in the semi-finals.
The breakthrough comes as Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), confirmed that all outstanding financial entitlements and allowances have been fully resolved and cleared.
The "Bonus Row" Resolved: What Really Happened?
Just as the team was preparing to move from their previous base in Fes, reports emerged that players were disgruntled over unpaid match bonuses from the group stage. The tension threatened to derail the momentum of a squad that has been flying high with stars like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.
However, speaking from the camp on Thursday morning, Shehu Dikko assured the nation:
"The team trained yesterday and they are traveling today. All financial entitlements have been resolved. The funds were approved by the President back in November, but the administrative processing is now complete. The players are happy and focused."
The Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, also confirmed that the "fast-track conversion" into foreign currency is finished, with funds expected to reflect in the players’ accounts by the end of today.
Next Stop: The Battle of Marrakech
The Super Eagles will now set up camp in Marrakech ahead of their massive Quarter-Final clash against Algeria on Saturday, January 10.
| Match Details | Information |
| Fixture | Nigeria 🇳🇬 vs. Algeria 🇩🇿 |
| Date | Saturday, January 10, 2026 |
| Time | 5:00 PM (WAT / Nigerian Time) |
| Venue | Stade de Marrakech, Morocco |
Why This Game is a Must-Watch
This isn't just a game; it's a grudge match. Algeria—the "Desert Foxes"—have been a defensive wall, conceding only one goal the entire tournament. They booked their spot after a dramatic extra-time winner against DR Congo. Nigeria, on the other hand, boasts the best attack in the competition, led by the tournament’s top performer, Ademola Lookman.
With the money issues settled and the "administrative bottlenecks" gone, the Super Eagles have sent a clear message: The distractions are over, and the trophy is the only target.
