Eagles to receive special bonuses for crucial World Cup Playoff matches

Players of Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles, are set to receive a ‘special bonus’ for each match played during the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification play-offs.

This incentive was announced by Shehu Dikko, chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), as part of a broader strategy to motivate the team ahead of a challenging qualification campaign.

The African four-nation playoff begins on November 13 in Rabat, Morocco, and will be treated with the intensity of a tournament final, according to Dikko. He emphasized that every fixture, two in Africa this month and one intercontinental clash in Mexico next March, will be approached with the same urgency and preparation as a final.

These three matches will ultimately determine Nigeria’s place at the next World Cup, co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

‘It’s a long and tough road to qualification,’ Dikko said. ‘We now have three games to plan for—two in Africa and one at the intercontinental stage. For us, every game is a final. We have to prepare for these matches the way teams prepare for finals.’

Dikko revealed that discussions with players are already underway to ensure they receive a bonus package distinct from what is typically offered for regular matches.

‘We have to invite the players, talk to them, and give them the best bonus they can get. It has to be different from the usual,’ he added.

Beyond financial incentives, the NSC is coordinating closely with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to streamline logistics and maintain player focus. Dikko stressed that daily meetings and communications are ongoing to ensure full alignment across all stakeholders.

‘We have to provide all necessary logistics and keep everyone focused,’ he said. ‘We’re working together with the NFF and speaking with the players every day. We believe that with this level of commitment, we can qualify.’