Nigeria’s hopes in the CAF Confederation Cup may have been cut short, but its representatives, Abia Warriors and Kwara United, will not be leaving empty-handed. Both clubs are set to receive $100,000 each despite crashing out in the preliminary rounds.

Abia Warriors exited the competition after suffering a 2-1 aggregate defeat to Djoliba of Mali. Kwara United, popularly known as the Afonja Warriors, endured a more dramatic exit, losing 5-3 on aggregate to Ghanaian powerhouse Asante Kotoko. Their early elimination marked a disappointing outing for Nigeria’s campaign in the tournament.

However, there was a silver lining. On Tuesday, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced that clubs knocked out in the preliminary stage of its inter-club competitions would be awarded an additional $50,000. This comes on top of the $50,000 participation fee already guaranteed, bringing the total payout to $100,000 for each team.

For Abia Warriors and Kwara United, this financial boost is expected to help cushion the impact of their early exits. With Nigerian clubs struggling to make a strong mark in continental competitions in recent years, the payout provides much-needed support for club administration, player welfare, and logistics.

While fans may be disappointed by the results on the pitch, the financial windfall ensures that both clubs can reinvest in strengthening their squads and preparing better for future competitions.