Sports
Nigeria Equals Egypt’s Semi-Final Record Pockets $2.5m Each
The Super Eagles have so far earned $2.5 million from CAF as prize money after they reached the semifinal of the 2023 AFCON.
CAF has announced a 40 percent increase in the prize monies for the AFCON.
This is outside the bonus and allowances the NFF pay the players as they progress in the tournament.
According to a further breakdown of prize monies for the tournament, the winners of the AFCON on February 11 in Abidjan will pocket $7 million, while the beaten finalists earn $4 million.
Quarterfinalists will receive $1.3 million each, while Round of 16 qualifiers get $800,000 a team. The Super Eagles received $1.5 million when they won a third AFCON title in South Africa in 2013.
In a related development, Nigeria will be joining the Pharaohs at the top of the list of countries with the most appearances in the last four of the AFCON as the Super Eagles feature in their 16th semis today against South Africa.
The Super Eagles secured their ticket to the semi-finals of Côte d’Ivoire 2023 after a 1-0 win over Angola through Ademola Lookman’s strike.
For the 16th time in 20 appearances, Nigeria is in the semi-finals of the competition, equalling a record set by Egypt, who have also reached the last four 16 times in 26 appearances.
Behind these record-holders, Ghana comes third with 14 semi-finals played in 24 appearances.
Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire have each reached the semi-finals of Africa football’s showpiece event 10 times.
Nigeria, however, has only lifted the trophy three times, with Egypt winning it seven times as the record holders, followed by Cameroon who have won it five times, and Ghana with four trophies.
Today, José Peseiro and his men will be bidding for their eighth final of the competition, one less than Ghana, two less than Egypt, and one more than Cameroon.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
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