OFFICIAL: Nigeria Super Eagles to receive $300k from CAF despite CHAN 2024 humiliation

Nigeria’s home-based Super Eagles crashed out of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) at the group stage, yet the national team is set to pocket a handsome $300,000 (over N460 million) from CAF’s prize money haul, leading to debate over the fairness of such rewards.

The Super Eagles ended their campaign with a 2-0 victory against Congo in their final group match held in Zanzibar. Anas Yusuf of Nasarawa United broke the deadlock in the 56th minute, expertly finishing off a well-placed cross from Sikiru Alimi of Remo Stars. 

The match tilted further in Nigeria’s favor after Congo’s Charles Atipo was shown a straight red card, forcing his side to play with ten men for the remainder of the game. 

In stoppage time, Alimi doubled the lead with a clinical finish assisted by Sodiq Ismaila, sealing Nigeria’s only win of the tournament.

Despite this victory, the result was not enough to advance Nigeria beyond the group stage in the tournament co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. 

Their campaign began poorly, with a 1-0 loss to defending champions Senegal and a painful 4-0 defeat to Sudan, consigning them to a disappointing early exit.

Yet, as consolation, Nigeria is set to benefit from a significant financial windfall, part of CAF’s newly increased prize money scheme introduced for the 2024 edition of the CHAN. 

Pulse Sports revealed that CAF had dramatically raised the stakes for Africa’s flagship competition for home-based players, ensuring that even teams finishing third or fourth in their groups take home substantial rewards.

The $300,000 payout for Nigeria, despite the humiliation of their early exit, has triggered sharp criticism from fans. Social media quickly filled with voices expressing frustration.

One fan slammed the move, exclaiming, “Rewarding failure!?” Another tersely noted, “3 points with big money.” 

Some joked about the division of funds, with one tweeting, “That’s less than $10,000 each plus the coaches,” and another sarcastically advising, “The federal government should collect the money, add a little, and give it to the awaiting AfroBasket men champions.”

While CAF’s prize review reflects an attempt to elevate the tournament’s profile and support domestic leagues, the cash reward for Nigeria’s underwhelming showing has left many questioning whether a team exiting at the group stage should receive such a windfall. 

The conversation now continues around the balance between encouraging home-based talent and rewarding genuine success on the continental stage.