Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Nigerian Super Eagles are set to pocket a staggering sum of $2.5 million (approximately N2.24 billion) prize if they win the Angola’s Palancas Negras on Friday in their quarterfinal clash at the ongoing 34th Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire.
The jaw dropping sum of money is stipulated by the Confederation of African Football (CAF)for any team advancing to the semifinals.
Having already secured $800,000 in prize money for progressing beyond the group stage, the Nigerian squad bolstered their coffers with an additional $1.3 million by beating Cameroon to secure semifinal berth. For Nigerian fans and players alike, it is a chance for redemption and remembrance.
Angola’s historic role in thwarting Nigeria’s bid for the 2006 FIFA World Cup still lingers in memory, with the Super Eagles falling short after a narrow 1-0 loss in Luanda was followed by a tense 1-1 draw in Kano.
Moreso the match carries emotional weight as Nigerian football enthusiasts still recall the tragic passing of Eagles star Samuel Okwaraji during a 1990 World Cup qualifier against Angola.
