The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a total prize fund of $715,000 (£570,000) for the upcoming U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), outlining financial rewards for teams at every stage of the competition.
The governing body confirmed that the tournament winners will receive $125,000, with the runners-up awarded $90,000. Teams that reach the semi-finals but do not progress to the final will each earn $60,000, while those eliminated in the quarter-finals are guaranteed $50,000.
Further details released by CAF show that even teams exiting at the group stage will receive financial compensation. Sides finishing third in their groups are set to take home $25,000, while those at the bottom of their groups will receive $20,000.
The prize structure highlights CAF’s continued efforts to invest in youth football development across the continent. By ensuring financial rewards at all levels of the tournament, the organisation aims to encourage broader participation and competitiveness among emerging football nations.
The U-17 Africa Cup of Nations is widely seen as a key platform for nurturing young talent, often serving as a stepping stone for players who go on to represent their countries at senior level and in international club competitions. The financial incentives are expected to further boost motivation among participating teams, many of whom rely on such tournaments for exposure and development opportunities.
CAF’s announcement comes as preparations intensify for the competition, which consistently attracts attention from scouts and football stakeholders eager to identify the next generation of African stars. The tournament has a strong track record of showcasing players who later achieve success both on the continent and globally.
By distributing prize money across all stages, CAF is reinforcing the importance of youth competitions within its broader football development strategy. The move is also seen as part of a wider effort to strengthen football structures at grassroots level, where access to funding can often be limited.
The governing body has increasingly emphasised youth investment in recent years, recognising that long-term success in African football depends on the cultivation of young players. The U-17 tournament, in particular, plays a central role in this vision, providing a competitive environment for players to gain experience on an international stage.
With financial rewards now confirmed, participating nations are expected to approach the tournament with added determination, as both sporting success and monetary incentives come into play.
