The National Sports Commission (NSC) has confirmed that all outstanding financial issues concerning the Super Eagles’ participation at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations have been resolved, following widespread reports of unrest within the camp over unpaid bonuses.
Chairman of the NSC, Shehu Dikko, disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had given full approval for the team’s AFCON budget as far back as November 14, 2025, paving the way for the release of players’ entitlements and allowances.
His clarification came after claims emerged that some players had considered boycotting training sessions and the team’s scheduled trip to Marrakech ahead of their crucial quarter-final clash against Algeria.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Dikko explained that while presidential approval had been secured months ago, the administrative process required to move funds often takes additional time.
“The president approved the entire AFCON budget in November. From our side, all the funding has been cleared. However, approval and processing are two separate things, and that is what people sometimes misunderstand,” he said.
According to him, extensive consultations were held involving officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the team captain, vice-captain and other senior players to determine bonus structures for the tournament.
“We met, discussed and agreed on the exact bonuses the players are entitled to at every stage of the competition up to the final. Everyone understands what they are due,” Dikko stated.
He stressed that the players were fully aware of the incentive framework before the competition kicked off and had given their consent to the agreed terms.
The NSC chairman added that the only payments requested in cash were daily allowances, which he said had already been disbursed to the team.
“The only cash request was for their daily allowances, and those have been fully settled,” he noted.
He further confirmed that match bonuses had been approved and were currently undergoing final processing, assuring that the funds would be released without delay.
“The bonuses are approved. The processing is ongoing and the money will be paid. The Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Nigeria are both working to ensure that everything is completed on time,” Dikko said.
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles have maintained an impressive run at the tournament, winning all their group and knockout matches so far and scoring 12 goals to book a place in the quarter-finals.
Nigeria is scheduled to depart Fès for Marrakech on Thursday ahead of their high-stakes encounter with Algeria’s Desert Foxes on Saturday at the Stade de Marrakech, with kick-off slated for 5 p.m. The winner of the tie will progress to the semi-finals of the competition.
