Super Eagles bonus delay explained by journalist Adewale Ajayi as players insist on dollar payments, causing banking and transfer processing delays
Canada based Nigerian journalist Adewale Ajayi has said the Super Eagles are not owed any unpaid bonuses, explaining that the delay in players receiving payments is due to their request to be paid in United States dollars rather than in Nigeria’s local currency.
Also read: Super Eagles halt travel and training over unpaid AFCON bonuses
Ajayi made the clarification following reports that the players had threatened to boycott their Africa Cup of Nations quarter final match against Algeria.
According to information available on Wednesday, the Nigerian team initially refused to travel from Fes to Marrakesh for the fixture, citing concerns over bonus payments for group stage matches and the Round of 16 victory over Mozambique.
Ajayi said those bonuses had already been approved and paid in naira, Nigeria’s official currency, but the players declined to receive the money in that form.
“The big question is whether the Super Eagles players are being owed match bonuses. The answer is no,” Ajayi wrote.
Ajayi said the players had previously agreed with the Nigeria Football Federation to receive foreign currency payments for international tournaments held outside the country.
The journalist explained that when players insist on dollar payments, funds must be transferred into domiciliary accounts through the Central Bank of Nigeria, a process that can take several days or longer depending on verification and clearance procedures.
Ajayi said the team secretary informed the players that the money was ready for payment in naira, but the squad maintained that payment should be made in dollars.
The situation has delayed the disbursement process but does not indicate that the players are being denied their entitlements, according to Ajayi.
Ajayi added that each player stands to earn 12,500 dollars for the second round victory against Mozambique, 15,000 dollars for a quarter final win over Algeria, 17,500 dollars for a semi final victory and 20,000 dollars if Nigeria win the tournament.
Also read: Super Eagles thrash Mozambique 4–0 to reach AFCON 2025 quarters
The Nigeria Football Federation has not disputed Ajayi’s explanation and has previously stated that it is working with relevant financial institutions to complete the transfers as quickly as possible.
Peculiar Adirika is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
