The Super Eagles have been promised $10,000 (about ₦14 million) for every goal scored in their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Round of 16 clash against Mozambique, providing a major financial boost ahead of the knockout encounter.
The incentive, offered by a Nigerian business mogul and partner of the national team, represents an increase from the group-stage arrangement, under which players earned $5,000 per goal. Nigeria netted eight goals in their three group matches, benefitting from the earlier reward structure.
The enhanced bonus will apply to Monday’s must-win fixture at the Fez Stadium in Morocco, as the Super Eagles battle for a place in the quarter-finals of the continental tournament.
Confirming the development, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, disclosed the new incentive package while addressing journalists in Rabat on Sunday.
“We have fully mobilised the Super Eagles to succeed in this tournament,” Dikko said.
He added: “On the part of the Federal Government, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the AFCON Intervention Fund on November 14. In addition, our partners and sponsors paid $5,000 per goal in the group stage and have now committed $10,000 per goal for the Round of 16. The incentives will continue to improve as the tournament progresses.”
Nigeria, African champions in 2013, finished top of Group C with a perfect record to secure qualification for the knockout stage. The Super Eagles will now face Mozambique, who advanced as one of the best third-placed teams from Group F.
