Sports

How Eagles Lost N4.5bn World Cup Money

Published

3 years ago

October 6, 2022

Editor

The Qatar 2022 World Cup is already building, with just 45 days to the biggest global football festival draws near.

In search of its seventh World Cup appearance ticket, the Super Eagles were knocked out by bitter rivals Black Stars of Ghana in the final African qualifiers for the Mundial.

An early goal from Thomas Partey in Abuja was enough to secure the Ghanaians’ place in Qatar, as they beat Nigeria 1-1 on aggregate on the away goal rule.

William Troost-Ekong’s penalty was not enough to stop the Black Stars from recording a famous result on enemy territory, with aggrieved going berserk and wreaking havoc on facilities at the newly renovated Moshood Abiola National Stadium.

The failure is still very fresh in the hearts of millions of football-loving Nigerian fans who follow the Eagles passionately.

And while Nigerians continue to lament their non-qualification, there will be plenty of money on the line at the World Cup in Qatar.

While the focus for a lot of teams will be on lifting the iconic trophy and representing their nations well, there is definitely a tangible benefit for success on the pitch.

FIFA haven’t held back when it comes to prize money for World Cups in recent years, and 2022 is no different — with huge sums up for grabs.

The football body has allocated $440m in prize money for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

This is an increase of $40m compared to the 2018 tournament, while just $358m in prize money was on offer at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

While a very significant sum, FIFA have a revenue budget of $4.6bn in 2022, with broadcasting rights set to contribute $2.6bn alone in income.

With so much prize money on offer, every side will walk away from Qatar significantly richer.

With the country’s failure to qualify for the World Cup, the players and the Nigeria Football Federation will, sadly, be missing out on FIFA’s largesse, which runs into billions of naira.

As the key part of any successful team, players also benefit financially from featuring at a World Cup.

While base salaries differ between national teams and for different players, they do get a share of whatever prize money their team walks away with.

FIFA allows each team to decide what share players receive. For instance, Germany promised to give each of their players a near $400,000 bonus had they lifted the title on home soil in 2006.

In 2022, Australia has reportedly pledged to pay each of its players AU$226,000 with an extra $290,000 to be paid if they reach the knockout stages.

Other nations are likely to offer a bit more or less than this amount to their players, depending on each federation’s financial situation.

PUNCH Sports Extra takes a look at the cost implication of Nigeria missing out on the biggest and money-spinning football event.

According to The PUNCH, Simply qualifying for the World Cup sees each team paid a $1.5m (N648m) participation fee. But once at the tournament, sides will make much larger sums by progressing through the knockout stages.

Teams who get knocked out from the group stage are entitled to $9m while those who reach the round of 16 get $13m.

So, if the Eagles were to exit the stage in Qatar in the group stage, they would have received an extra $9m (N3.8bn), meaning qualification and group stage ouster would have fetched the three-time African champions a total of $10.5m (N4.5bn).

For a football sector that runs cap in hand to government for funding, this isn’t cheery news at all, as the World Cup money would have gone a long way in settling debts, owed players allowances and the unending financial crisis that has forever rocked the NFF.

An economist, Abiola Rasaq, said the opportunity cost for Nigeria not playing in Qatar went beyond the cash reward.

“It includes both the implicit and explicit cost,” Rasaq stated. “There are social and economic benefits of participating in such a global event, including opportunities for Nigerian brands to showcase their products to the global audience, as well as an opportunity for us to showcase our local talents, some of whom may be lucky to sign transformational deals for their careers.

“There are also social engagement benefits at the local level and opportunities for strengthening diplomatic relations at the international level.

“So, it’s really sad that Nigeria missed the 2022 World Cup, but we have to remain optimistic about our team and look forward to strong prospects in the continental African Cup of Nations and future World Cups.”

Mutiu Adepoju, a member of the Super Eagles squads at the 1994, 1998 and 2022 World Cups lamented the Eagles’ failure to make their seventh World Cup appearance following the financial losses.

“Any cash inflow of that amount is supposed to be a good thing for Nigerian football development, but unfortunately, we are not playing at the World Cup and won’t enjoy the financial benefit,” Adepoju said.

Ifeanyi Udeze, who represented Nigeria at the 2022 World Cup, added, “Once you qualify for the World Cup, FIFA gives $9m for the group stage.

“It’s a pity Nigeria did not qualify for the World Cup and we missed such big money, it’s a lot of money. The money would have gone a long way, even if it is to organise grassroots football.

“I’m very sure that the players are not happy because they missed out on the money too, the federation. But our priority, for now, is to get our house to make sure we qualify for the next World Cup.”

Azubuike Egwuekwe, a former Eagles defender and member of the 2014 World Cup side, said over-dependence on overseas-based players cost Nigeria the 2022 World Cup ticket.

“It’s a big disappointment that Nigeria will not be at the World Cup in Qatar and thus miss out on the estimated N4.5bn qualification and group stage prize money, but the truth is that the Eagles did not take their qualifying games against Ghana seriously,” the former Warri Wolves captain said.

“I speak based on my experience. During our time in the national team, we had a couple of home-based players in the team that had not earned that kind of money in their careers with their clubs. We were very hungry to play and get to the World Cup, but today, almost all the players in the Eagles play in Europe, they are relaxed and the hunger for success was not there in our games against Ghana, that was what cost us the World Cup ticket.”

He advised that football authorities to focus more on the local leagues and fish out talented and hungry players willing and committed to wearing the national jersey.

“We should encourage our local league players because the league is going down. If late coach Stephen Keshi did not recognise local league players, perhaps nobody would have known me or the likes of Ruben Gabriel, Godfrey Oboabona, Ejike Uzoenyi and others. We have to encourage the local league players and mix them with the overseas-based players, then the team will be hungry to play.”

“I remember when I returned to play for Rivers United for a year, I saw a lot of talents in the Nigeria Professional Football League, but I was surprised that I did not see them in the qualifiers.”

Sports

Sports Commission Boss Commends Team Edo Athletes For Continental Triumph

Published

2 hours ago

August 26, 2025

Editor

The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has congratulated Team Edo athletes who represented Nigeria at recent continental championships and returned home with medals.

He spoke when the athlete led by Team Edo Athletics Head Coach, Mr. Mutiu Oluwa, paid a courtesy visit in his office on Monday.

The athletes had competed at the 3rd CAA U18/U20 African Athletics Championships held at the MKO Abiola International Stadium in Abeokuta, Ogun State, and the CAA Region II Senior Athletics Championship in Accra, Ghana.

In a statement issued by his Media Officer, Mr. Edoko Wilson Edoko, Hon. Enabulele praised the athletes’ performances, describing their achievements as a reflection of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s strategic investment in sports development.

“The results we are witnessing today are a testament to Governor Okpebholo’s deliberate and strategic efforts to make Edo Nigeria’s hub for sporting excellence,” Enabulele said.

“The Governor has consistently mandated us to focus on grassroots sports development — we ‘Catch Them Young.’ Today, we are seeing the fruits of that vision.”

At the Abeokuta championships, Edo athletes shone brightly: Audu Emmanuel (Silver, Shotput), Eze Peace (Bronze, Javelin), Akhalu David (Gold, 4×400m Mixed Relay), Salami Oseiwe (Bronze, 400m), Enaruna Anita (Silver, 400m; Gold, 4×100m, 4×400m, 4×400m Mixed, and 400m Mixed), and Oyibu Success (Silver, 100m; Gold, 200m and 4×100m).

The medal haul continued in Accra, with Treasure Omotsivie winning Gold in High Jump (Women), Anita Enaruna clinching Gold in 200m and 4×400m Relay (Women), Chidera Ezeakor claiming Gold in 100m, 200m, and 4×100m Relay (Men), David Akhalu securing Gold in 4×400m Relay (Men), and Prestina Ochonogor (Paris Olympics finalist) taking Gold in Long Jump (Women).

Enabulele described the athletes as “worthy ambassadors of Edo State” whose discipline, commitment, and patriotism continue to inspire hope for the future of sports in Nigeria.

The athletes had been selected to represent Nigeria in the two major competitions held between July 16–20 in Abeokuta and August 18–19 in Accra, Ghana.

Sports

Enabulele Confident Of Team Edo’s Success At 2025 NYG

Published

2 hours ago

August 26, 2025

Editor

Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has expressed confidence that Team Edo will record an outstanding performance at the 9th National Youth Games (NYG), billed to hold in Asaba, Delta State, from August 26 to September 6, 2025.

Speaking through his Media Officer, Mr. Edoko Wilson Edoko, Enabulele described the games as a strong platform for nurturing grassroots talent and an opportunity for Edo’s young athletes to shine.

“We are going into this competition with the youngest athletes in the country. For us, it is not about chasing victory at all costs, but ensuring that our young ones use this opportunity as a foundation for development and self-discovery. Edo believes in grassroots identification and talent grooming, and with the full support of our amiable Governor, Monday Okpebholo, we are confident of an impressive outing,” Edoko quoted the Commission Chairman as saying.

Team Edo enters the competition with a boost from its strong showing at the South-South zonal eliminations, where it qualified in several ball games. These include female handball, male and female cricket, male baseball, male and female rugby, female football, male and female beach volleyball, female hockey, and female volleyball. The team will also compete in athletics, swimming, acrobatics, board sports, and other events.

Enabulele further stressed that Edo’s approach to the Games is built on sustainability and youth empowerment rather than quick-fix glory. According to him, “Our initiative is really working. The National Youth Games is more than just winning medals – it is about national unity, exposure for our athletes, and building a strong pipeline for the future. Edo is proud to be leading this charge.”

The 2025 edition of the NYG, themed “We are the Future,” officially kicks off on August 29 at the Stephen Keshi Stadium with a grand opening ceremony featuring top musicians and cultural troupes. The Games will be declared open by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, representing President Bola Tinubu.

Delta State is hosting the Games for the third consecutive time. Over 37 sports will be contested across venues such as the Stephen Keshi Stadium and Indoor Sports Hall, Government House Squash Court, Asaba Sports Club, Anglican Girls Grammar School, and the Commissioners’ Quarters.

Sports

Brazil Names Squad Without Neymar, Vinicius For World Cup Qualifiers [FULL LIST]

Published

4 hours ago

August 25, 2025

Editor

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti did not recall Neymar and spared Vinicius Junior for World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia next month, with Lucas Paqueta returning to the national team.

The 33-year-old Neymar, who returned to Santos in January, has not worn the Brazil jersey for nearly two years due to repeated injuries.

“Neymar had a small problem last week,” Ancelotti told a press conference on Monday, without providing further details.

According to the Brazilian press, Brazil’s leading all-time scorer with 79 goals in 128 matches, has experienced thigh discomfort during training.

His absence from the squad for the final two World Cup qualifying matches was, however, played down by Ancelotti with the five-time champions having already booked their ticket to next year’s tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

“Neymar, we don’t need to test him. Everyone knows him. Like the others, he must arrive in good physical condition to help the national team give its best at the World Cup,” said the Italian coach.

Neymar had been called up by Ancelotti’s predecessor Dorival Junior for matches in March — a 2-1 victory against Colombia and a 4-1 defeat to Argentina — but was forced to withdraw due to a thigh injury.

In the first two matches under the Italian’s guidance in June, Brazil drew 0-0 in Ecuador before beating Paraguay 1-0, thanks to a goal from Vinicius to seal their place in the 2026 World Cup.

The Real Madrid striker will be absent from the next training camp. Suspended for the match against Chile on September 5 at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, the Brazil staff preferred to spare him the trip to play at altitude in Bolivia on September 9.

Paqueta, meanwhile, is returning after being cleared of betting charges by an independent commission of the Premier League last month.

The West Ham midfielder had been absent from the national team since November 2024.

Also returning is Joao Pedro, who has been in great form since joining Chelsea in July.

The 23-year-old centre-forward shone in July at the Club World Cup, scoring both goals that eliminated Fluminense, his youth club, in the semi-finals, and the third in the 3-0 victory in the final against Paris Saint-Germain.

Brazil squad:

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool/ENG), Bento (Al-Nassr/KSA), Hugo Souza (Corinthians)

Defenders: Alexsandro (Lille/FRA), Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Caio Henrique (Monaco/FRA), Douglas Santos (Zenith St-Petersburg/RUS), Fabricio Bruno (Cruzeiro), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal/ENG), Marquinhos (PSG/FRA), Vanderson (Monaco/FRA), Wesley (Roma/ITA)

Midfielders: Andrey Santos (Chelsea/ENG), Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle/ENG), Casemiro (Manchester United/ENG), Joelinton (Newcastle/ENG), Lucas Paqueta (West Ham/ENG)

Forwards: Estevao (Chelsea/ENG), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal/ENG), Joao Pedro (Chelsea/ENG), Kaio Jorge (Cruzeiro), Luis Henrique (Zenith St-Petersburg/RUS), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United/ENG), Raphinha (Barcelona/ESP), Richarlison (Tottenham/ENG)

AFP