Following the electrifying Africa Cup of Nations final, footballers from Ivory Coast and Nigeria are being lavished with rewards and accolades.
In Ivory Coast, each victorious player is slated to receive $82,000 along with villas of similar value, as announced by the presidency. President Alassane Ouattara commended the team, celebrating their triumph as a source of joy for all Ivorians, in a nation that hosted the continental tournament.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Super Eagles, despite their heart-wrenching loss in the final, are receiving a hero’s welcome. President Bola Tinubu has bestowed upon each squad member one of Nigeria’s highest honors, the Member of the Order of the Niger, along with apartments and plots of land near the capital, Abuja.
Additionally, South Africa, securing the third-place position, is reportedly set to receive around $52,000 per player, according to local reports.
These rewards supplement the customary prize money allocated by the Africa Cup of Nations, which has seen a 40% increase since the previous edition. Winners Ivory Coast are entitled to $7 million, with runners-up Nigeria receiving $4 million, and other participating teams also receiving significant sums.
The heightened viewership of this year’s Africa Cup of Nations(AFCON), reportedly the highest in its 67-year history, signifies the growing global interest in African football.
This increased attention has spurred discussions about equity in World Cup slots, with Africa currently having fewer spots than Europe, despite comparable numbers of FIFA-affiliated countries.
However, amidst the celebrations and rewards, the plight of African footballers regarding unpaid salaries and bonuses remains a concern. Past incidents, such as the delay in fulfilling promises to the 1990 Cameroon squad and the pay dispute during the FIFA Women’s World Cup involving South African footballers, underscore the challenges faced by players despite their on-field achievements.
These issues highlight the need for better governance and support structures within African football.
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