Ndidi vows to pay Super Eagles’ bonuses if govt fails

Super Eagles captain, Wilfred Ndidi, has pledged to personally pay the team’s outstanding match bonuses at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco if the Federal Government fails to settle the payments before Saturday’s quarter-final clash against Algeria.

Ndidi made the commitment amid growing concerns over unpaid bonuses for the team’s three group-stage matches and their round-of-16 fixture.

The issue had reportedly threatened preparations, with claims that players and officials were considering boycotting training and travel arrangements.

Speaking through a post shared by BBC journalist Oluwashina Okeleji on X, the midfielder said he had assured his teammates and coaching staff that the situation would not distract the squad.

“I’ve been pushing the team to train and focus on the game against Algeria since the second match.

“I’ve now made a commitment to the players and staff that I will personally pay the bonuses if the authorities fail to do so before Saturday,” Ndidi said.

He added that his decision was driven by the need to protect team unity and concentration ahead of the crucial encounter.

“I don’t want unpaid bonuses to affect our preparations,” he stressed.

In response to the situation, the Federal Government, through the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite, announced that payments were being fast-tracked.

She disclosed that bonuses for the group-stage matches had already been released and cleared necessary regulatory processes.

According to the minister, reforms have also been introduced to prevent future delays.

“The Federal Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria have streamlined the foreign exchange process to ensure timely payments.

Final transfers to players’ domiciliary accounts are currently in progress and expected to reflect between Thursday and Friday,” she said.

The Super Eagles arrived in Marrakech on Thursday and held a training session ahead of Saturday’s quarter-final showdown against Algeria.

Nigeria are aiming to win a fourth AFCON title, having previously lifted the trophy in 1980, 1994 and 2013.