Sports journalist Osasu Obayiuwana has sparked conversation online after highlighting the financial imbalance in international football competitions.
According to him, the economic rewards tied to qualifying for the FIFA World Cup are significantly higher than the prize money awarded for winning the African Cup of Nations.
“It is actually more profitable to qualify for the FIFA World Cup than to win the African Cup of Nations.”
His comment has triggered debate among football fans and analysts, especially across Africa, where discussions around prize money distribution, federation funding, and global football inequality continue to grow.
Many argue that the statement reflects a broader reality in world football — where global tournaments like the FIFA World Cup bring in massive sponsorships, broadcast revenue, and participation bonuses compared to continental competitions.
The discussion continues to fuel conversations about how African football federations can better leverage qualification rewards while pushing for improved value in tournaments like AFCON.
