The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, has said that all financial entitlements of the Super Eagles players and officials participating in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) have been resolved.
Naija News reports that Dikko’s assurance followed reports that players were threatening to boycott training sessions and refuse to travel to Marrakech for Saturday’s quarter-final clash against Algeria over unpaid bonuses.
Speaking with journalists on Wednesday, Dikko disclosed that President Bola Tinubu approved the entire AFCON 2025 budget as far back as November 2025.
“The president approved the entire AFCON budget on Nov. 14, 2025. From our end, the funding has been fully cleared,” he said.
He explained, however, that approval of funds and their processing were two different stages, stressing that the players were aware that the money had already been approved.
“Approving the money is one thing, processing it is another, but the players know the funds have been approved,” Dikko added.
The NSC chairman further revealed that extensive consultations were held with key stakeholders to ensure clarity on players’ incentives.
According to him, meetings were held with the Nigeria Football Federation, the team captain, co-captain and senior players, where tournament bonuses were discussed and agreed upon.
“We sat down, negotiated and agreed on what the players are entitled to up to the final. Everybody is clear,” Dikko said.
He noted that the players understood and accepted the incentive structure before the tournament kicked off.
“The players know exactly what they are playing for and what their bonuses are at every stage,” he stated.
Dikko clarified that the only financial request made by the players in cash was for their daily allowances, which he said had already been settled.
“The only cash request was daily allowances, and that has been sorted and made available,” he said.
He added that match bonuses had since been approved and were currently undergoing payment processes.
“The bonuses have been approved. The process is ongoing and the money will come,” he assured.
According to Dikko, relevant government institutions were working to ensure the timely release of funds to the team.
“The Ministry of Finance and CBN are on this, so everything will come on time,” he said.
Naija News reports that the Super Eagles have enjoyed an impressive run at the tournament, winning all their matches so far and scoring 12 goals on their way to the quarter-finals.
Nigeria will battle Algeria’s Desert Foxes on Saturday for a place in the semi-finals of the competition.
The team is expected to depart Fès for Marrakech on Thursday ahead of the blockbuster encounter scheduled for 5 pm at the Stade de Marrakech.
