“We made over $80 million profit” – Nigeria’s Super Eagles contribute to the most profitable AFCON in history

President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Patrice Motsepe has lifted the veil on the remarkable financial success of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 2023 AFCON took center stage in Cote d'Ivoire earlier this year, with the continental spectacle dazzling fans worldwide with a torrent of goals.

Twenty-four countries battled for Africa's number-one prize across 52 matches in six venues in five Ivorian cities, with hosts Cote d'Ivoire eventually becoming the champions.

A staggering 119 goals were scored – a new record at the tournament – punctuated by several top-notch refereeing, stunning upsets, remarkable comebacks, and gripping late-game drama, making the AFCON the most memorable in recent history.

However, CAF boss Motsepe has revealed that the success of the AFCON transcended the boundaries of the pitch.

Announcing a remarkable array of commercial achievements, the former chairman of Mamelodi Sundowns unveiled that CAF worked with 17 sponsors, a tenfold increase from previous editions, and forged partnerships with 110 television networks during the 2023 AFCON.

According to CAF's reports, the financial windfall from this edition soared to unprecedented heights.

With a striking 26% surge in commercial revenue compared to the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon, the coffers overflowed with a staggering $80 million in profits.

For perspective, this monumental figure represents a seismic leap from the $4 million earned in previous editions.

Motsepe hailed this unprecedented success, emphasising the transformative impact on African football's financial landscape.

“The AFCON in Cote d'Ivoire has been the most profitable ever. We've made over $80 million. That's the profit. If we look at previous editions, we made around $4 million. So we've jumped to $80 million, and a huge chunk of that money is going to the 54 countries for football development,” Motsepe declared in an interview with France 24.

Nigeria's contribution to AFCON 2023 success

The Super Eagles put together several disciplined displays to reach the final of the 2024 AFCON despite the absence of several key players.

Nigeria finished top of Group A after beating hosts Cote d'Ivoire and Guinea-Bissau while picking up a draw against Equatorial Guinea.

In the knockout rounds, the three-time African champions defeated eternal rivals Cameroon, Angola, and South Africa to reach the title decider for the first time in more than ten years.

However, the Super Eagles settled for the silver medal after losing 2-1 to the Ivorians in the tournament match.

Overall, the continent's vice-champions scored eight of the 119 goals at the AFCON, with only Senegal, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea scoring more (9).

Nigeria also produced the tournament's Most Valuable Player in captain William Troost-Ekong, who scored three goals to finish among the top goal scorers.

Troost-Ekong, Ola Aina, and Ademola Lookman equally featured in the official Team of the Tournament.