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Nigeria’s Super Eagles have earned a substantial financial reward after finishing third at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, adding ₦3.56 billion to the country’s football coffers.
The prize money followed Nigeria’s dramatic 4–2 victory over Egypt in a penalty shootout during the bronze medal match played in Casablanca, Morocco.
The encounter was a tense affair that ended goalless after regulation time, with neither side able to break the deadlock across 90 minutes.
When the match proceeded to penalties, Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerged as the hero of the night. The shot-stopper saved two Egyptian spot-kicks, sealing Nigeria’s ninth third-place finish in AFCON history and earning praise for his composure under pressure.
Nigeria’s bronze medal finish came at a tournament that saw a significant upward review in prize money by the Confederation of African Football, CAF.
The football body, under the leadership of its president Patrice Motsepe, announced a record financial package for the 2025 edition of the tournament, a move aimed at boosting competition, investment and development across African football.
Senegal were crowned champions of the tournament for the second time in their history after edging hosts Morocco 1–0 in a dramatic final held in Rabat.
The final, which attracted a packed stadium and global attention, was decided in extra time after both sides failed to score during regulation play.
Just three minutes into extra time, midfielder Pape Gueye struck a stunning left-footed effort from the edge of the area to secure victory for the Teranga Lions and silence the home crowd.
As champions, Senegal walked away with a record $10 million, equivalent to about ₦14.23 billion, an increase from the $7 million prize money awarded at the 2023 edition.
Morocco, who finished as runners-up on home soil, received $4 million, translating to roughly ₦5.69 billion, while Nigeria earned $2.5 million, approximately ₦3.56 billion, for their third-place finish. Fourth-placed Egypt received $1.3 million, about ₦1.85 billion.
CAF also ensured that teams exiting the tournament at earlier stages were financially rewarded. Quarter-finalists were each awarded $800,000, while teams that finished third in their groups earned $700,000. Sides that placed fourth in the group stage received $500,000, highlighting CAF’s commitment to supporting all participating nations.
The increased prize pool has been widely welcomed by stakeholders, who believe it will further motivate national teams, improve preparation standards, and encourage better administration of football across the continent.
For Nigeria, the financial boost serves as a positive takeaway from the tournament and could provide additional resources to strengthen the Super Eagles ahead of future international competitions.
With the 2025 AFCON setting new benchmarks both on and off the pitch, attention will now turn to how participating countries, including Nigeria, leverage the rewards to drive long-term growth and success in African football.
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