NFF Breaks Silence as Flying Eagles Raise Concerns Over Unpaid Bonuses
The Nigeria Football Federation has addressed growing concerns surrounding unpaid bonuses and allowances owed to members of the Flying Eagles, following complaints from players in both the 2023 and 2025 squads.
Several players have urged the federation to settle outstanding qualification bonuses and camp allowances accumulated over a three-year period. These payments are linked to participation in major competitions including the WAFU B Cup, the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, and the FIFA U-20 World Cup, spanning six tournaments and approximately 65 days in camp.
Under former head coach Ladan Bosso, the 2023 squad enjoyed a strong run—winning the WAFU B Cup against Benin Republic, finishing third at the U-20 AFCON in Egypt, and reaching the quarter-finals of the World Cup in Argentina before bowing out to South Korea.
In 2025, led by Aliyu Zubair, the team finished as runners-up at the WAFU B Cup after a narrow loss to Ivory Coast. They went on to secure a semi-final finish at the U-20 AFCON, earning qualification for the World Cup, where they eventually exited in the round of 16 following a heavy defeat to Argentina.
Sources indicate that players were promised a $5,000 qualification bonus per tournament alongside daily camp allowances of $100. This payment structure was introduced after the NFF scrapped match bonuses for youth teams in 2017 during the tenure of former president Amaju Pinnick.
However, concerns have emerged that while camp allowances may be partially settled, qualification bonuses could be excluded. Some players claim they are owed up to $6,500 each, combining unpaid allowances from both 2023 and 2025.
Amid rising tension, the federation has reportedly begun steps to address the debts ahead of its upcoming elective congress, with fears the issue could dominate discussions.
Responding to the allegations, NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi dismissed claims that the federation intends to neglect its obligations. He maintained that although full payment may not be immediate, a substantial portion will be settled, emphasizing that all matches played had official approval.
The situation adds to a growing list of financial disputes involving the NFF, including previous bonus-related concerns raised by the Super Eagles during the 2025 AFCON and the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, as well as scrutiny from Nigeria’s House of Representatives Committee on Sports in 2023 over similar issues affecting the Flying Eagles.