As Nigeria desperately tries to smuggle itself into the 2026 World Cup party, the pain of the big financial loss is staring the administrators in the face.
Nigeria had one of the easiest 2026 World Cup groups in Benin Republic, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Rwanda and South Africa but failed to make hay.Even when an opportuinty of a play off came calling, the country still failed to take advantage.
After failing to win on the field of play, Nigeria now shifts focus to win through the boardroom, even as the big financial losses will hunt the players and administrators for long,if they have conscience.
Having failed to qualify for the mundial, Nigeria will not benefit from the financial largesse approved as prize money by FIFA for the 2026 FIFA World Cup .
The setback of not qualifying for the world cup, denied Nigeria a place at football’s biggest global event and also ensured the country lost significant financial rewards attached to participation.
FIFA has approved an enhanced prize money structure for the 2026 World Cup, with funds set to be distributed to all qualified nations based on their final standings. Under the approved framework, the tournament champions will receive $50 million, while the runners-up will earn $33 million. The third-place team is set to collect $29 million, with the fourth-placed side receiving $27 million.
Teams finishing between fifth and eighth positions will earn $19 million each, while those placed ninth to 16th will take home $15 million. Countries finishing between 17th and 32nd positions are entitled to $11 million, with teams ranked 33rd to 48th earning $9 million.
Nigeria’s absence from the expanded 2026 World Cup means the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the domestic game will miss out on both the sporting exposure and the financial boost that could have supported infrastructure development, grassroots programmes, and national team preparations.
