Relief for Super Eagles as NSC Confirms AFCON Allowances Are Settled

The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, has assured Nigerians that all financial obligations owed to the Super Eagles players and officials at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) have been fully addressed.

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‎His clarification follows widespread reports suggesting that members of the national team were unhappy over unpaid bonuses and were considering skipping training sessions or refusing to travel to Marrakech for their quarter-final encounter against Algeria.

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‎Addressing journalists on Wednesday, Dikko revealed that President Bola Tinubu had approved the full AFCON 2025 budget in November, adding that funding from the government had already been cleared.

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‎He explained that while the approval of funds had long been secured, the disbursement process naturally takes time, a fact he said the players were fully aware of.

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‎According to Dikko, discussions were held with key football stakeholders, including the Nigeria Football Federation, the team captain, deputy captain, and senior players, to clearly define and agree on players’ incentives for the tournament.

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‎He noted that the bonus structure was settled before the competition began and that the players knew exactly what they stood to earn at every stage of the tournament.

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‎The NSC Chairman further clarified that the only payment requested in cash by the players was their daily allowances, which he confirmed had already been paid. He added that match bonuses had been approved and were currently being processed for release.

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‎Dikko also disclosed that relevant government agencies, including the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Nigeria, were working together to ensure the timely release of all funds.

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‎Meanwhile, the Super Eagles have continued their impressive run at the tournament, recording victories