The Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, has confirmed that all outstanding financial obligations owed to Super Eagles players and officials have been addressed, with payments already in motion.
Dikko’s assurance came amid media reports suggesting that members of the national team were considering skipping training sessions and the planned trip to Marrakech ahead of Saturday’s crucial AFCON 2025 clash against Algeria.
Speaking with the media the NSC chairman disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had given full approval for Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 budget as far back as November 2025, effectively resolving funding concerns involving the NSC, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and the players.
“The entire AFCON budget was approved by Mr. President on November 14, 2025. From the commission’s perspective, all funds have been cleared,” Dikko stated.
He clarified, however, that while approvals had been secured, administrative processing was still ongoing, stressing that the players were aware their payments had been sanctioned.
“There is a difference between approval and processing, but the players understand that the funds have been approved and are being released,” he explained.
According to Dikko, extensive consultations were held with the NFF, the team captain, co-captain, and other senior squad members to finalize the structure of bonuses for the tournament.
“We had detailed discussions and reached a clear agreement on what the players are entitled to, right up to the final. There is no ambiguity,” he said.
He added that the players had accepted the incentive framework before the competition commenced and were fully aware of the rewards attached to each stage of the tournament.
“The players know exactly what they are competing for and the bonuses attached to every phase,” he noted.
Dikko further revealed that the only payments requested in cash were daily allowances, which he confirmed had already been paid.
“The request for cash was strictly for daily allowances, and those have been fully settled,” he said.
He assured that match bonuses had also received approval and were currently undergoing payment processing, with relevant government institutions working to ensure timely release.
“The bonuses have been approved, and the payment process is ongoing. The funds will be released,” he said, adding that both the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Nigeria were involved in facilitating disbursement.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles are set to battle Algeria’s Desert Foxes for a place in the semi-finals and are expected to travel from Fès to Marrakech on Thursday, ahead of Saturday’s high-profile encounter at the Stade de Marrakech, scheduled for 5:00 p.m.
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