Following the Super Eagles’ progression to the semi-finals of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, reports that the team has earned a prize money of $2.5m (N3bn).
Nigeria reached the semi-finals of the 34th edition of the AFCON after defeating Angola 1-0 at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan on Friday.
As one of the remaining four teams in the competition, the Eagles, alongside South Africa, their semi-final opponents; DR Congo and hosts Ivory Coast, have already secured $2.5m.
Before the start of the tournament, Confederation of Africa Football president, Dr Patrice Motsepe, announced a 40 per cent increase in prize monies.
According to the statement published on the website of the football governing body January 4, the winners of the tournament will receive $7m, $2m more than the reward doled out at the last edition in Cameroon.
The runners-up of the African showpiece event will now get $4m, while each of the two semi-finalists will receive $2.5m, with each of the four quarter-finalists taking home $1.3m.
“CAF has made significant progress over the past two years in increasing the prize money of the AFCON and all its other major competitions,” he said.
“We have increased the prize money of the AFCON winner to USD 7 000 000 which is a 40% increase from the previous AFCON prize money.
“I am confident that a portion of the prize money will contribute to developing football and also benefit all the football stakeholders, as well as assist our Member Associations with their administrations,” he added.
If Nigeria advanced to the final, they would have secured a minimum of $4m (N5bn) in prize money.
Additionally, if they win the tournament, they will receive $7m (N8.8bn).
Meanwhile, the Eagles arrived in Ivory Coast’s second-largest city, Bouake, on Tuesday (today) ahead of their semi-final clash against South Africa on Wednesday.
