The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, has explained why the Super Eagles bonuses were delayed during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Dikko’s comments followed reports that Nigeria players had threatened to boycott training and delay travel to Marrakech ahead of their quarter-final clash with Algeria over unpaid bonuses.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Dikko said President Bola Tinubu approved the Super Eagles entire AFCON 2025 budget as far back as November, stressing that funding was not the issue.
“The president approved the entire AFCON budget on Nov. 14, 2025. From our end, the funding has been fully cleared,” Dikko said.
NFF President Gusau, Chelle and NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko.Photo Credit: Getty Images
He explained that while approvals had been granted, the delay stemmed from the difference between approving funds and completing the payment process.
“Approving the money is one thing, processing it is another, but the players know the funds have been approved,” he added.
Dikko said the NSC held meetings with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the team captain, co-captain and senior players to agree on bonuses for each stage of the tournament, including the final.
“We sat down, negotiated and agreed on what the players are entitled to up to the final. Everybody is clear,” he said.
Mallam Shehu Dikko. Photo Credit: NANS
According to the NSC chairman, the players accepted the agreed incentives before the tournament began and were fully aware of what they stood to earn at every stage.
“The players know exactly what they are playing for and what their bonuses are at every stage,” Dikko stated.
He clarified that the only payments requested in cash were the team’s 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.
Dikko added that match bonuses had also been approved and were currently going through the payment process, with the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Nigeria involved in ensuring timely disbursement.
“The bonuses have been approved. The process is ongoing and the money will come,” he said.
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Nigeria have won all their matches at AFCON 2025 so far, scoring 12 goals on their way to the quarter-finals.
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The Super Eagles are set to face Algeria for a place in the semi-finals and are expected to travel from Fès to Marrakech ahead of Saturday’s match at the Stade de Marrakech.
