Several Super Eagles players who contributed to Nigeria’s qualification for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations AFCON have expressed their frustration over being excluded from a share of the prize money. Nigeria finished as runners up in the tournament, securing $4 million after losing 2-1 to Cote d’Ivoire in the final.
While each player in the final squad received $30,000, those who played a role in the qualification process but did not make the final squad feel neglected. One affected player revealed that in 2019, players who participated in the qualifiers but did not make the final AFCON squad were still compensated, citing Kelechi Iheanacho as an example.
There are discussions among senior Super Eagles players about potentially giving up a portion of their earnings to share with those who helped in the qualification process, and the Nigerian Football Federation NFF may also contribute.
Editorial
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The situation involving the Super Eagles players excluded from the AFCON prize money highlights a fundamental issue in how contributions are valued in team sports. Football, like many other sports, is a collective effort, and every player involved in the qualification process should feel recognised and appreciated, whether they make the final tournament squad or not. By sidelining these players from the prize money, the Nigerian Football Federation risks creating a rift within the team, which could impact morale and future performances.
It is commendable that the senior players are considering offering a portion of their earnings to their teammates who were left out. This shows the solidarity and unity within the Super Eagles camp, but it should not be the sole solution. The NFF must establish clear guidelines to ensure that all players who contribute to the team’s success, including those who played in the qualifiers, are duly compensated.
In 2019, the NFF recognised the efforts of players who did not make the final tournament squad but contributed to qualification. This precedent should have been followed in 2023. Football is a sport that thrives on the collective effort of the entire squad, not just those who take the field at the tournament itself. Recognising the contributions of all players involved is not just a matter of fairness but also a way to foster unity and continued success for Nigerian football.
The NFF must reassess its policies to avoid such issues in the future. Ensuring that all contributions are recognised and rewarded will strengthen team spirit and reinforce the idea that every player’s effort matters in the grand scheme of things.
Did You Know?
- The Super Eagles earned $4 million in prize money for finishing as runners up in the 2023 AFCON.
- In 2019, players who featured in the AFCON qualifiers but did not make the final squad still received part of the prize money.
- Nigeria has won the Africa Cup of Nations three times, with their most recent victory in 2013.
- The Nigerian Football Federation NFF has faced multiple disputes over unpaid bonuses and prize money with the Super Eagles in the past.
- Kelechi Iheanacho was one of the players who did not make the final squad in 2019 but was still compensated for his role in the qualifiers.
