There is renewed hope that the Super Eagles will finally receive their outstanding third-place bonus from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after the National Sports Commission (NSC) reportedly released the money to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

The players have been demanding $17,500 each for beating Egypt on penalties in the third-place match of the tournament in February. The bonus payment had been delayed for several months, leading to concerns over the welfare of the players and the handling of their entitlements.

However, a top source said the NFF had received the naira equivalent of the bonus from the NSC. “The NFF have acknowledged receiving the naira equivalent of the third-place bonus from the National Sports Commission.

It is now left for the NFF to pay the team,” the source told SCORENigeria. The development is expected to bring relief to the players, who have been waiting for their entitlements since helping Nigeria finish third at the continental competition. It also comes as a boost to the team ahead of their 2027 AFCON qualifying double-header against Tanzania, with the first leg scheduled for Uyo today.