“Integrity for peanuts” – Ex-Everton striker blasts NFF, TV star over unpaid AFCON 2025 bonuses

Prior to the AFCON 2025 quarter-final clash featuring Nigeria and Algeria, the Super Eagles had threatened to skip training if their win bonuses weren't disbursed by the NFF, Soccernet.ng reports.

The reaction was knee-jerk among Nigerians, as it was the same old story from the Nigerian Football Federation, highlighting their incompetence once again. Former Everton striker Victor Anichebe has had enough.

Born in Nigeria, but grew up in England, Anichebe played for the Super Eagles, although briefly, recording 11 appearances between 2009 and 2011.

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Anichebe: Ex-Everton striker blasts NFF, Anazodo over unpaid AFCON 2025 bonuses

Respected TV and Radio presenter Charles Anazodo made it clear that he didn't like the manner of approach the players in Morocco took.

In his words, he withdrew all of his support for the Super Eagles, even if they win the AFCON 2025 tournament. Anazodo recalled the sacrifice of Nigeria's 1996 Olympic-winning team, claiming the players stepped up even when the federation didn't pay them, and wondered why the current crop of players cannot do the same.

Anichebe, in response, couldn't believe the presenter chose to fault the players instead of the Federation, which refused to do what is required of them.

 

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The 38-year-old wrote, “All these people should just shut up. I’m sick and tired of them all,” in the comments.

“Nigeria is a country where people can sell their integrity for peanuts. The reason people push these narratives and talk utter nonsense is that they're desperate to stay in good graces with the government/wealthy individuals for handouts.

“The irony is that if you have integrity and stand for something, you will be respected in those rooms,” Anichebe concluded.

It wouldn't be the first time the former West Bromwich Albion striker would call out the NFF. When the Super Eagles were eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup play-offs by DR Congo, he did the same.

“Despite the shame and frustration of failing to qualify, this might actually be the turning point we need for long-term progress,” Anichebe wrote in quotes revealed by ESPN.

“Too many people still don't grasp the real issue. It isn't just about corruption or misuse of funds solely, although those matters.

“At its core, it's about deep, chronic incompetence. We keep placing people in key positions who have no strategic plan, no experience in high-performance environments and no understanding of what sustainable success truly requires.

“Real change demands selflessness, long-term thinking, and building foundations that won't produce instant rewards. It means trusting a process rather than chasing quick fixes.

“If we want serious outcomes, we must start having serious conversations that lead to serious decisions,” the former Sunderland man concluded.

Nigeria will take on Morocco in the AFCON 2025 semi-final on Wednesday at Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah.