The Super Eagles of Nigeria have touched down in Marrakech ahead of their highly anticipated quarter-final showdown with Algeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria’s arrival comes after days of uncertainty surrounding the team, following reports that the players had threatened to boycott the match over unpaid winning bonuses.
Those concerns were laid to rest on Thursday after the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite, confirmed that all administrative hurdles delaying payments had been resolved.
In a statement shared on her official X account, Uzoka-Anite explained that the government, working with the Central Bank of Nigeria, had cleared all outstanding issues relating to players’ entitlements.
She disclosed that group-stage bonuses had been fully released and successfully passed through the necessary regulatory processes.
The minister further revealed that a fast-track foreign exchange conversion mechanism had been introduced to meet the players’ preference for foreign-currency payments.
According to her, final transfers to the players’ domiciliary accounts were already being processed and expected to reflect within 24 hours.
Uzoka-Anite emphasized that the welfare of the Super Eagles remains a top priority, assuring Nigerians of the government’s full support as the team continues its quest for continental glory.
The Super Eagles will face Algeria on Saturday after the Desert Foxes edged past the Democratic Republic of Congo with a dramatic 1–0 extra-time victory in the round of 16. Adil Boulbina struck a powerful late goal to seal Algeria’s place in the quarter-finals.
Nigeria, on the other hand, booked their spot in emphatic fashion, thrashing Mozambique 4–0 to underline their title credentials.
The Super Eagles currently boast the most potent attack at the tournament with 12 goals, while Algeria arrive with the competition’s tightest defence, having conceded just once in four matches.
Both sides share a rich AFCON history, with their last meeting coming in the 2019 semi-final, where a late Riyad Mahrez free-kick sent Algeria into the final, which they eventually won.
Saturday’s quarter-final encounter will be staged at the Marrakesh Stadium on January 10, with kick-off set for 5 pm Nigerian time.
The winner will progress to the semi-final to face either hosts Morocco or Cameroon.
Other quarter-final ties will see Mali battle Senegal, while Egypt square off against Côte d’Ivoire.
