Enyimba and Remo Stars are set to receive financial rewards from FIFA under its expanded FIFA Club Benefits Programme for releasing players during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
FIFA announced on Friday that it had approved a $355m fund for the programme, representing a 70 per cent increase from the amount distributed after the 2022 World Cup.
For the first time, clubs that released players for World Cup qualifying matches will be rewarded. FIFA has allocated $100m for clubs whose players participated in the qualifiers, with payments calculated on a per-player, per-match basis.
According to FIFA, clubs will receive approximately $2,360 for every player released for each qualifying match.
"A total of $100m has been reserved for clubs that released players for FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers, distributed on a per-player, per-match basis. With 905 qualifying matches having been played, the anticipated benefit stands at approximately $2,360 per player, per match," FIFA stated.
During the qualifying campaign between November 2023 and October 2025, Remo Stars released four players for international duty. Benin Republic goalkeeper Adebiyi Obassa featured in eight matches, while Kayode Bankole and Sodiq Ismaila were involved in two matches each. Togolese forward Franck Mawuena was released for three matches.
Enyimba released goalkeeper Olorunleke Ojo for two qualifying matches.
Based on FIFA's payment structure, Remo Stars are expected to receive around $35,400, estimated at about N48.14m, while Enyimba are set to earn approximately $4,720, equivalent to N6.42m.
FIFA also clarified that clubs will qualify for payments if their players were included in matchday squads, even if they did not play.
An additional $250m will be distributed to clubs whose players feature at the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Payments will be calculated on a per-player, per-day basis, with a minimum expected return of about $5,000 per player per day.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the expansion of the 2026 World Cup made the increased allocation possible.
"Through the FIFA World Cup 2026 Club Benefits Programme, and thanks to the inclusion of all qualifying matches for the first time, more clubs than ever before will receive a share of the financial benefits generated by the FIFA World Cup, recognising their essential contribution to the success of international football," Infantino said.
He added: "This is another benefit from the expanded FIFA World Cup, providing more support across the entire football ecosystem to the clubs that provide all the players who compete to shine on the global stage."
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