The Super Eagles have received a goals bonus of $120,000 following their emphatic 4–1 win over the Panthers of Gabon, TalkTalk Nigeria reports.

According to SCORENigeria, the bonus package was part of a joint initiative between the Nigeria Sports Commission (NSC) and the private sector, designed to motivate the players during the crucial World Cup playoff campaign.

The payment also formed part of the promises made to the team after a pay dispute earlier in the week, which led to the players staging a brief strike on Tuesday. The quick resolution and bonus payout were introduced to restore confidence and ensure focus ahead of the decisive fixtures.

The Super Eagles are expected to earn an even bigger financial reward if they secure victory against the Democratic Republic of Congo in Sunday’s playoff final.

Nigeria will face the Leopards at the Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex in Rabat, with kickoff scheduled for 8pm Nigerian time.

Opinion: Money Isn’t Everything — But This Time, It Clearly Helped

Footballers may often say they “play for the badge,” but let’s be honest — motivation comes in different forms, and recognition matters. The $120,000 bonus, whether symbolic or substantial, arrived at exactly the right moment.

The strike earlier in the week painted a worrying picture: a team fighting for World Cup qualification should never be distracted by unpaid wages. It drains morale, dents unity, and blurs focus. So the swift collaboration between the NSC and the private sector was more than a financial gesture — it was a strategic reset.

And the response? A confident 4–1 win that reminded everyone why the Super Eagles remain one of Africa’s most talented squads.

But beyond the money, something deeper is happening:

Trust is being rebuilt.
Players feel respected.
The nation is showing support when it matters.

As Nigeria heads into the final against DR Congo, the real test won’t just be about scoring goals — it will be about showing that a united, properly motivated Super Eagles side can rise above administrative drama and deliver when the pressure is highest.

If the bonus helped unlock that fire, then it was money very well spent.