Nigerian clubs earn millions as FIFA expands Club Benefits Programme to include qualifiers, boosting payouts ahead of 2026 World Cup

Former Nigeria Premier Football League champions Enyimba and Remo Stars are set to receive financial boosts from FIFA’s $355 million Club Benefits Programme, following their contribution to the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

FIFA on Friday confirmed an expanded payment structure for the scheme, marking the first time clubs will be rewarded not only for releasing players for the tournament itself but also for the qualifiers.

Under the arrangement, clubs will earn a minimum of $2,360 per player for every qualifying match they were released for, provided the players were named in matchday squads.

The global football body disclosed that the $355m fund—agreed under a renewed memorandum with European Club Association partners—represents a 70 per cent increase from the 2022 edition and will be split into multiple allocations.

Of the total, $100m is earmarked for clubs whose players featured in the qualifiers, covering 905 matches played during the campaign. Another $250m will be distributed to clubs whose players participate in the 2026 World Cup finals, scheduled for June 11 to July 19, 2026, with payments calculated per player, per day. Clubs are expected to earn at least $5,000 daily per player involved, subject to final confirmation after the tournament.

The remaining $5m will be set aside for administrative costs and further support for global club football.

Remo Stars are among the biggest Nigerian beneficiaries after releasing four players during the qualifiers: Adebiyi Obassa (eight matches), Kayode Bankole (two), Sodiq Ismaila (two), and Franck Mawuena (three). Based on FIFA’s estimates, the club is expected to earn about $35,400—approximately ₦48.14 million.

Enyimba, who released goalkeeper Olorunleke Ojo for two matches, are projected to receive around $4,720, equivalent to roughly ₦6.42 million.

FIFA also clarified in a communication to member associations that clubs remain eligible for payments as long as their players were included in matchday squads, regardless of whether they featured on the pitch.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the expanded format of the 2026 World Cup made the increased funding possible, noting that more clubs globally will now benefit from the programme.

He added that the initiative recognises the crucial role clubs play in developing and releasing players for international competitions, with nearly 1,000 matches across qualifiers and the finals contributing to the record payout.