By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
Nigeria’s Super Eagles have recorded a significant financial gain after earning $2.5 million (N3.56 billion)for finishing third at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), following a hard-fought 4–2 penalty shootout victory over Egypt in the bronze medal play-off held in Casablanca.
The encounter, which took place on Saturday, 17 January, 2026 ended 0–0 at the end of regulation time.
Consequently, the match was decided by penalties, where goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerged as the decisive figure. By saving two spot-kicks, Nwabali steered Nigeria to victory and, in the process, secured the Super Eagles’ ninth third-place finish in AFCON history.
As a result, Nigeria walked away with one of the tournament’s most substantial prize allocations.
The financial reward earned by Nigeria forms part of a record prize structure unveiled by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for the 2025 edition of the tournament.
Ahead of the competition, CAF President Patrice Motsepe announced a major increase in prize money, explaining that the move was aimed at strengthening African football and rewarding competitive excellence among national teams.
In the final played in Rabat, Senegal were crowned champions for the second time in their history, edging hosts Morocco 1–0 after extra time in a dramatic contest.
The decisive moment arrived just three minutes into extra time when Pape Gueye unleashed a powerful left-footed strike from the edge of the penalty area, a goal that silenced the packed stadium and sealed Senegal’s triumph.
Following their victory, Senegal received a record $10 million (N14.23 billion), an increase from the $7 million (N9.96 billion) awarded to champions at the 2023 edition.
In comparison, Morocco, as runners-up, earned $4 million (N5.69 billion), while Egypt, who finished fourth, took home $1.3 million (N1.85 billion).
Beyond the top four, CAF also distributed prize money across other stages of the competition.
Accordingly, quarter-finalists were awarded $800,000 (N1.14 billion) each, teams that finished third in their groups received $700,000 (N996 million), while those placed fourth earned $500,000 (N711 million).
Explaining the rationale behind the increase, Motsepe, speaking at a pre-tournament briefing at Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, recalled that prize money for AFCON winners was less than $5 million before 2023.
He stated that CAF first raised it to $7 million and has now pushed it to $10 million, stressing that the organisation intends to continue increasing rewards for Africa’s most prestigious football competition.
Nigeria’s bronze medal payout was ultimately confirmed during the tense shootout against Egypt. While Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman successfully converted their penalties, Egypt faltered as Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush failed to score. Consequently, the Super Eagles claimed the win and the accompanying financial reward.
Nigeria’s third-place finish not only added to the country’s rich AFCON record but also highlighted the growing economic value of success at the continental level.
As CAF continues to expand prize money, performances at AFCON now carry increasing financial significance for participating nations, reinforcing the link between on-field success and national reward.
