Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, has moved to reassure Nigeria’s Super Falcons that they will receive the cash reward promised for winning the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), insisting the payment remains guaranteed despite months of delay.
The issue has dominated discussions in recent weeks following concerns over the outstanding reward approved by President Bola Tinubu after the Falcons secured a record-extending continental title.
Speaking to journalist Ayo Ibidapo in London, Dikko attributed the delay to government budgetary procedures rather than any change in the administration’s commitment to honour the players.
NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko. Photocredit: Chairman Shehu Dikko/X
According to Dikko, President Tinubu authorised the payment in August 2025, but the process requires statutory budgetary approvals before funds can be released.
“It’s a government process. Those things are off budget. It has to be included in the budget and so forth. But the president approved their payment since August 2025,” Dikko said.
His comments provide the clearest indication yet that the delay is administrative rather than a reversal of the government’s promise.
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The NSC chairman disclosed that the payment is currently being handled by the appropriate government institutions, including the Office of the Accountant-General and the Federal Ministry of Finance.
He expressed optimism that the funds could be released before the start of the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
“It is with the finance people and the Accountant General’s Office. They are processing it, and they are working very hard on it. The Minister of Finance is working on it to make sure that money would drop, hopefully before the WAFCON.”
The latest update comes amid growing public interest over when the players will finally receive the financial rewards announced after their continental triumph.
NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko. Photocredit: Chairman Shehu Dikko/X
While unable to give a definite payment date, Dikko stressed that the players have nothing to worry about, insisting the reward will reach them irrespective of when the government completes the process.
He also assured that the money would be paid directly to each player, eliminating concerns over third-party handling.
“But it doesn’t matter whether the money drops before then or later; they’ll get it. It will be paid directly into their accounts; it won’t be paid to anyone else.”
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President Tinubu announced a generous reward package for the Super Falcons following their WAFCON success, including cash bonuses and national honours in recognition of their achievement.
However, while the promises were widely celebrated, the financial component of the package has yet to be redeemed, leading to repeated questions from supporters and renewed scrutiny ahead of Nigeria’s next continental campaign.
