Nigeria Misses Out On FIFA Largesse

Nigeria Misses Out On FIFA Largesse

Sampson Adedeji

Nigeria will not benefit from the substantial prize money approved by FIFA for the 2026 FIFA World Cup following the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the tournament, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The Super Eagles’ World Cup campaign ended in disappointment after they lost in the final round of the playoffs to DR Congo, crashing out just short of qualification. 

The setback not only denied Nigeria a place at football’s biggest global event but also shut the door on significant financial rewards attached to participation.

FIFA has approved an enhanced prize money structure for the 2026 World Cup, with funds set to be distributed to all qualified nations based on their final standings. Under the approved framework, the tournament champions will receive $50 million, while the runners-up will earn $33 million. The third-place team is set to collect $29 million, with the fourth-placed side receiving $27 million.

Teams finishing between fifth and eighth positions will earn $19 million each, while those placed ninth to 16th will take home $15 million. Countries finishing between 17th and 32nd positions are entitled to $11 million, with teams ranked 33rd to 48th earning $9 million.

Nigeria’s absence from the expanded 2026 World Cup means the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the domestic game will miss out on both the sporting exposure and the financial boost that could have supported infrastructure development, grassroots programmes, and national team preparations.