The Super Eagles of Nigeria are ready to face the Bafana-Bafana of South Africa for the semi-finals of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
The Super Eagles have arrived in Bouake, on Tuesday (today) ahead of their semi-final clash against South Africa on Wednesday.
After defeating Angola 1-0 at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan on Friday, Nigeria reached the semi-finals of the 34th edition of the AFCON.
So far, the four teams remaining for the semi-final clash have earned some reasonable amount of money. The Super Eagles, South Africa, DR Congo and hosts Ivory Coast, have all already secured $2.5m.
The Confederation of Africa Football president, Dr Patrice Motsepe, announced a 40 per cent increase in prize monies, before the tournament started.
No doubt, while the competition continues, the winners of the tournament will receive $7m, $2m more than the reward doled out at the last edition in Cameroon. This development was revealed in a statement published on the website of the football governing body January 4.
The runners-up of the African showpiece event will now get $4m, while each of the two semi-finalists will receive $2.5m, with each of the four quarter-finalists taking home $1.3m.
He said, “CAF has made significant progress over the past two years in increasing the prize money of the AFCON and all its other major competitions.”
“We have increased the prize money of the AFCON winner to USD 7 000 000 which is a 40% increase from the previous AFCON prize money.
“I am confident that a portion of the prize money will contribute to developing football and also benefit all the football stakeholders, as well as assist our Member Associations with their administrations,” he added.
If Nigeria advanced to the final, they would have secured a minimum of $4m (N5bn) in prize money.
Additionally, if they win the tournament, they will receive $7m (N8.8bn).
