Following a brilliant run into the last four of the Africa Cup of Nations, the Super Eagles will be looking to earn more money should they be able to go past familiar foes South Africa.
The matchup has attracted lots of interest not just on the field but off the field, including the purported entertainment battle dubbed the ‘Afrobeats vs Amapiano showdown’ on social media.
The game will be played on Wednesday, February 7 at the Stade de la Paix in the Ivorian city of Bouake.
How much have Super Eagles earned so far?
The Super Eagles' run so far has seen them advance from the group stages to the round of 16 and to the quarter-finals, and the team has already secured at least a $2.5 million (N3 billion) reward for qualifying for the semi-finals.
According to a chart published by the Confederation of African Football just before the commencement of AFCON 2024, the Super Eagles stand to receive between $4 million (N4.8 billion) and $7 million (N8.4 billion) reward should they progress to the final on February 11 at Alassane Ouattara Stadium, with the latter amount going to the eventual champions.
What is the prize money of AFCON 2024?
There seems to be much at stake outside of the trophy, bragging rights and medals as CAF announced a 40% increase in prize money a few days before the opening match.
As revealed by tournament organisers, the AFCON 2024 now boasts a generous prize pool that includes incentives that were unveiled for the last team in each group from the group stages.
“CAF has made significant progress over the past two years in increasing the Prize Money of the AFCON and all its other major competitions, we have increased the Prize Money of the AFCON Winner to USD 7 000 000 which is a 40% increase from the previous AFCON Prize Money,” said CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe.
“I am confident that a portion of the Prize Money will help contribute to development of football and also serve as a benefit to all the football stakeholders, as well as assist our Member Associations with their administrations.”
The increments seem to have sparked a positive reaction as the tournament has thrown up different scenarios, most especially the sight of lowly ranked teams stunning the supposed ‘big names'.
More AFCON games, more money for Super Eagles & co.
With only four teams remaining, it is assumed that at least each team will play two more games, with the ultimate game (the final) in sight for all four teams against the consolation bronze medal match.
From the financial standpoint, it appears to be a win-win situation for the teams, with the difference being your portion of the pot.
The clash between Nigeria and South Africa comes with a lot of perks that usually have dramatic moments, entertainment rivalries and trolls on and off the pitch.
As the two nations prepare to face off once again, the echoes of past battles reverberate through the annals of their shared history. Nigeria will be looking to go past her last stop when it was at this stage five years ago, while South Africa will be looking to make AFCON history with a first-ever win over the Super Eagles at the event.
The fixture presents a good time for Bafana Bafana to clip the Super Eagles wings and bag some more money.
The last edition of the AFCON in Cameroon saw an increment in the prize money, with champions Senegal receiving $5 million against Algeria's $4.5m for winning the title in 2019.
The rise in the AFCON prize money sees the continent surpass the prize money paid to South American champions, closing the gap on their European counterparts.
