If the Super Eagles win the upcoming quarterfinal clash against Angola, they stand a chance to gain an amount of $2.5 million.
The 34th Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire has set a staggering $2.5 million (approximately N2.24 billion) prize for any team advancing to the semifinals, a reward awaiting the triumphant team in the Super Eagles’ showdown with Palancas Negras this Friday.
Having already secured $800,000 by progressing beyond the group stage and an additional $1.3 million for defeating Cameroon to secure their quarterfinal spot, a win against Angola would guarantee a minimum payday of $2.5 million. Both teams, failing to advance beyond the semifinals, will each receive this substantial sum.
Beyond the potential financial incentive and a coveted semifinal berth, the match holds sentimental value for Nigerian fans and players alike. Angola’s historical role in thwarting Nigeria’s bid for the 2006 FIFA World Cup remains in memory, adding an extra layer of significance to the encounter. The match also carries emotional weight as fans recall the tragic passing of Eagles star Samuel Okwaraji during a 1990 World Cup qualifier against Angola.
While the allure of the $7 million prize for the AFCON winner and $4 million for the runner-up is enticing, the Super Eagles remain focused on the immediate task at hand: overcoming Angola and securing their path to AFCON glory.
The match is scheduled to take place at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan on Friday, February 2. With Angola eyeing their first-ever semifinal appearance, Nigeria, with a track record of reaching the semifinals in 15 out of their previous 19 appearances in the competition, aims to continue their impressive run.
