NFF set for $1m annual CAF grant as Motsepe unveils sweeping reforms to african football

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is set to receive a guaranteed annual allocation of $1 million (approximately ₦1.5 billion) following wide-ranging reforms to senior national team competitions announced by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Sport360NG reports.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe confirmed the development as part of a comprehensive restructuring programme that includes the planned introduction of an African Nations League and the launch of a $1 billion commercial tender designed to bolster the financial sustainability of African football.

Under the new arrangement, each of CAF’s 54 member associations will receive $1 million every year, representing a fivefold increase from the previous annual grant of $200,000.

Motsepe said the reforms would enable CAF to provide stronger and more consistent financial support to its members.
“The restructuring of the CAF senior national team competitions and the USD 1 billion tender that we have initiated will enable CAF to contribute USD 1 million every year to each of the 54 CAF member associations,” he stated.

For the NFF, the enhanced funding is expected to significantly improve financial stability and long-term planning. The federation oversees several national teams across men’s, women’s and youth categories, as well as domestic competitions that have often faced financial constraints.

The guaranteed allocation is anticipated to support better budgeting practices, reduce dependence on irregular funding, and strengthen administrative efficiency.

According to Motsepe, the funds will be channelled towards development-focused projects, with emphasis on grassroots football, youth development, women’s football, club competitions and regional tournaments.

“We will allocate a substantial amount of financial and other resources to training and developing young boys and girls football players, as this is among the best investments we can make for the future of African football,” he added.

CAF also disclosed plans to increase prize money for its major club competitions, including the CAF Champions League and the Confederation Cup. Details of the revised prize structures are expected to be announced after the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

In addition, the reforms aim to improve alignment between African football calendars and global schedules, addressing long-standing issues around clashes between club and international fixtures.

For Nigeria, a consistent participant in CAF competitions, the annual $1 million grant is expected to play a stabilising role in strengthening governance, enhancing development pathways and improving performance across all levels of the game.