By Frank Ulom
LAGOS (CONVERSEER) – Former Super Eagles striker, Odion Ighalo, has stated that the Nigerian football team currently playing at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco won’t go on strike over unpaid match bonuses.
Recall that the Super Eagles have been agitating, calling for their wages after reaching the quarter-finals of the AFCON 2025.
Speaking on Soccer Africa on Super Sports, on Thursday, Ighalo said the way the tournament is going and the position the players are in, they can not abandon their next games.
“The current Super Eagles players cannot go on strike. They cannot abandon the tournament, they are just putting pressure on the FA,” Ighalo stated.
The former Manchester United striker further disclosed that he’s been in the same situation but did not abandon the game.
“We were owed our wages, but we didn’t go on strike. A player should be paid his wages. If you promised someone something, you should redeem your promises.
“I’ve been in this situation. If they go on strike, Nigerians will descend (sic) on them,” Ighalo, 2019 AFCON top goalscorer said.
Clarifying on the Super Eagles match bonus, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, Minister of State for Finance, stated that the government has successfully streamlined the foreign exchange to ensure players are rewarded without delay.
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She said, “I am pleased to provide an update on the administrative progress regarding the match bonuses for our national team at AFCON 2025.
“The Federal Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) have successfully streamlined the foreign exchange processing to ensure our players are rewarded without further delay.
“Going forward, the process will be fully streamlined to ensure faster, more predictable disbursements aligned with international best practice.
“Here is the current progress:
• Funding: All group-stage bonuses were fully released and have now cleared the necessary regulatory stages.
• Acceleration: We have implemented a fast-track conversion process to move funds into foreign currency, honouring the players’ preferences.
• Disbursement: The final transfers to domiciliary accounts are currently in flight. Players can expect these funds to reflect starting today or tomorrow.
“Our focus remains entirely on supporting the team’s welfare so they can maintain their incredible momentum in the knockout rounds.
“We move forward with one goal: Bringing the trophy home!”
