World Cup Failure Could Cost NFF, Super Eagles Nearly ₦15.7bn in Lost FIFA Revenue

World Cup Failure Could Cost NFF, Super Eagles Nearly ₦15.7bn in Lost FIFA Revenue

By Admin 

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Super Eagles are set to suffer a major financial setback following their failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Nigeria, widely regarded as one of Africa’s football powerhouses, fell short in the qualification campaign for the expanded 48-team tournament. After finishing second in their qualifying group behind South Africa, the Super Eagles were given a second chance through the African continental playoffs.

That opportunity ended in disappointment. Nigeria defeated Gabon in the playoff semi-final but were eliminated in the final after a dramatic penalty shootout loss to the Democratic Republic of Congo, bringing their World Cup hopes to an end on the pitch.

Record-Breaking FIFA Prize Money

FIFA has since confirmed a record prize pool for the 2026 World Cup. At a FIFA Council meeting held in Doha, Qatar, the world football governing body announced that total prize money for the tournament will reach an unprecedented $655 million approximately ₦990 billion. This represents a 50 per cent increase from the amount distributed at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Under FIFA’s prize structure, each of the 48 qualified teams will receive $1.5 million in preparation funding, along with a guaranteed $9 million for participation in the group stage.

Had Nigeria secured qualification, the NFF would have been assured a minimum of $10.5 million, estimated at around ₦15.7 billion, regardless of performance at the tournament.

Players Also Miss Out

A significant portion of FIFA prize money is usually shared with players through appearance fees and performance-related bonuses. As a result, members of the Super Eagles squad have also missed out on substantial personal earnings due to the team’s failure to qualify.

NFF Turns to FIFA Petition

Despite the setback, the NFF has not entirely abandoned hope. The federation’s General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, has confirmed that a formal petition has been submitted to FIFA, alleging that the Democratic Republic of Congo fielded ineligible players during the decisive playoff match.

FIFA has acknowledged receipt of the complaint, but no ruling has yet been announced. Until a decision is made, Nigeria’s World Cup fate remains dependent on administrative review rather than results on the field.

For now, the NFF and millions of Nigerian football supporters can only wait, as the financial and sporting cost of missing the World Cup continues to resonate.