CAF Prize Money Boost: Rivers United, Remo Stars, Others Set For ₦559 Million Windfall

Four Nigerian clubs that featured in this season’s continental competitions are in line for a significant cash boost after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) increased prize money across its tournaments.

Rivers United, Remo Stars, Kwara United and Abia Warriors are expected to receive about ₦559 million each following the adjustment announced by CAF.

Naija News reports that CAF President Patrice Motsepe confirmed on Monday that the winners’ prize for the CAF Champions League has been increased by $2 million, with the same increment applied to the CAF Confederation Cup.

With the new structure, the winners of the Champions League will now earn $6 million, a 50 per cent rise. In comparison, the Confederation Cup champions will pocket $4 million, representing a 100% increase.

CAF also doubled the solidarity payments for clubs knocked out in the preliminary rounds. The figure has moved from $50,000 to $100,000.

Using Tuesday’s exchange rate of ₦1,398 to the dollar, each of the four Nigerian clubs is expected to earn roughly ₦559m despite some failing to reach the group stage.

Reigning Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions Remo Stars bowed out of the Champions League qualifiers after a heavy 7-1 aggregate defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns.

Kwara United and Abia Warriors, who qualified through the President’s Federation Cup, also exited in the preliminary round of the Confederation Cup.

Rivers United went further than the rest. The Port Harcourt side reached the Champions League group stage before their campaign ended.

The club could earn more depending on CAF’s final payout for teams eliminated at that stage. Previously, sides that exited in the group phase received $700,000, which translates to about ₦978.6 million at Tuesday’s exchange rate.

If that structure is retained, Rivers United could earn at least ₦1.53bn from their continental campaign.