AFCON 2025: Super Eagles’ Bonuses Cleared as Payments Have Begun — NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko Assures Nigerians
The Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, has assured that all financial entitlements for Super Eagles players and officials have been fully resolved ahead of Saturday’s crucial AFCON 2025 match against Algeria.
Reports earlier suggested players were considering boycotting training and travel to Marrakech over unpaid dues. However, Dikko told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that President Bola Tinubu approved the team’s AFCON budget in November 2025, ensuring alignment between the NSC, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and the players.
“The president approved the entire AFCON budget on November 14, 2025. From our end, the funding has been fully cleared,” Dikko said. He clarified that while approval and processing of funds are separate, the players were assured that the money is being released.
Meetings with the NFF, team captain, co-captain, and senior players confirmed tournament bonuses and daily allowances. “We sat down, negotiated and agreed on what the players are entitled to up to the final. Everybody is clear,” Dikko stated. He added that daily allowances requested in cash have already been paid and match bonuses are in process.
“The Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Nigeria are on this, so everything will come on time,” he emphasized.
The Super Eagles have impressed in the tournament so far, winning all their matches and scoring 12 goals en route to the quarter-finals. They are set to depart Fès for Marrakech on Thursday ahead of Saturday’s showdown at the Stade de Marrakech.