The Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, has confirmed that all outstanding financial entitlements owed to Super Eagles players and officials have now been addressed.
Dikko’s clarification followed media reports suggesting that members of the national team were considering boycotting training sessions and refusing to travel to Marrakech for Saturday’s AFCON 2025 match against Algeria.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria, he explained that the situation had been resolved after necessary approvals were secured.
According to Dikko, President Bola Tinubu had already given approval for the Super Eagles’ AFCON 2025 budget in November 2025, a move he said brought alignment between the National Sports Commission, the Nigeria Football Federation and the players.
“The president approved the entire AFCON budget on Nov. 14, 2025. From our end, the funding has been fully cleared,” Dikko said.
He, however, noted that there was a difference between approving funds and completing the administrative process required for their release, stressing that players were fully aware that approval had been granted and disbursement was underway.
“Approving the money is one thing, processing it is another, but the players know the funds have been approved,” he added.
The NSC boss disclosed that extensive discussions had taken place with the Nigeria Football Federation, the team captain, co-captain and other senior players to reach a consensus on bonuses for the tournament.
“We sat down, negotiated and agreed on what the players are entitled to up to the final. Everybody is clear,” he said.
Dikko emphasized that the incentive structure was agreed upon before the tournament commenced and that players were fully informed of what they stood to earn at each stage of the competition.
“The players know exactly what they are playing for and what their bonuses are at every stage,” he stated.
He further explained that the only request made for immediate cash payment related to daily allowances, which he said had already been paid.
“The only cash request was daily allowances, and that has been sorted and made available,” Dikko said.
On match bonuses, he assured that approval had already been secured and that the payment process was ongoing.
“The bonuses have been approved. The process is ongoing and the money will come,” he assured.
He added that the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Nigeria were actively involved to ensure prompt release of the funds.
“The Ministry of Finance and CBN are on this, so everything will come on time,” Dikko said.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Super Eagles have recorded a perfect run so far at the tournament, winning all their matches and scoring 12 goals to reach the quarter-finals. Nigeria are scheduled to face Algeria’s Desert Foxes in a crucial encounter for a semi-final place and are expected to travel from Fès to Marrakech on Thursday ahead of Saturday’s 5 p.m. kickoff at the Stade de Marrakech.
What you should know
Concerns over unpaid bonuses and allowances have historically affected Nigeria’s national teams at major tournaments, sometimes disrupting preparations.
The clarification from the National Sports Commission aims to calm tensions ahead of a decisive AFCON 2025 fixture against Algeria. With the budget already approved by the president and payment processes ongoing, officials insist the players’ welfare is no longer at risk.
Nigeria’s strong performance so far has raised expectations, making stability off the pitch critical as the Super Eagles push for a place in the semi-finals.
