The Super Eagles of Nigeria have earned $2.5 million (₦3.56 billion) for finishing third at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), following a dramatic 4–2 penalty shootout victory over Egypt in the bronze medal play-off in Casablanca.
The match ended 0–0 in regulation time, but goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerged as the hero, saving two crucial penalties — including one from Egyptian star Mohamed Salah — to secure Nigeria’s ninth AFCON third-place finish.
Senegal were crowned champions for the second time in their history, defeating hosts Morocco 1–0 after extra time in a chaotic final in Rabat. Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal with a powerful strike into the top corner during extra time, handing Senegal their second continental title.
The prize money for the 2025 tournament saw a significant increase. CAF president Patrice Motsepe announced a record $10 million (₦14.23 billion) for the champions, up from $7 million (₦9.96 billion) in 2023.
Other payouts included:
- Runner-up Morocco: $4 million (₦5.69 billion)
- Third-place Nigeria: $2.5 million (₦3.56 billion)
- Fourth-place Egypt: $1.3 million (₦1.85 billion)
- Quarter-finalists: $800,000 (₦1.14 billion) each
- Third in group stage: $700,000 (₦996 million)
- Fourth in group stage: $500,000 (₦711 million)
The financial boost highlights CAF’s ongoing efforts to grow African football and improve rewards for national teams.
Speaking at a pre-tournament briefing at Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, CAF president Patrice Motsepe said:
“It was less than $5 million before 2023, and we increased it to $7 million. So, if you win, you’ll get $10 million, and that’s the key objective as we move forward. We will continue to increase the prize money for the most important competition in Africa.”
The Super Eagles’ impressive performance and the CAF prize hike underscore Nigeria’s continued prominence in African football and the growing rewards for teams competing at the continental level.
