NSC Moves to Calm Payment Fears as Super Eagles Prepare for Algeria Clash

Concerns over possible disruption to the Super Eagles’ Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 campaign have been played down by the National Sports Commission (NSC), following reports that players were unhappy over outstanding allowances and bonuses.

The Chairperson of the NSC, Shehu Dikko, said all financial obligations owed to the national team players and officials had been addressed, insisting that there was no risk to Nigeria’s preparation ahead of Saturday’s crucial quarter-final encounter against Algeria in Morocco.

His comments came amid reports suggesting that some players were considering skipping training sessions or declining to travel to Marrakech over alleged unpaid entitlements.

Speaking on the matter, Mr Dikko disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had long approved the Super Eagles’ tournament budget, stressing that funding was not an issue.

“The president approved the entire AFCON budget on Nov. 14, 2025. From our end, the funding has been fully cleared,” he said.

While acknowledging delays in disbursement, the NSC chairperson explained that approval and payment processing follow different timelines.

“Approving the money is one thing, processing it is another, but the players know the funds have been approved,” he added.

According to him, extensive discussions were held with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), team leadership and senior players before the competition commenced, resulting in a clear agreement on bonuses up to the final stage of the tournament.

“We sat down, negotiated and agreed on what the players are entitled to up to the final. Everybody is clear,” he said.

Mr Dikko noted that players were fully aware of the incentives attached to each stage of the competition.

“The players know exactly what they are playing for and what their bonuses are at every stage,” he stated.

He further clarified that the only payments requested in cash were daily allowances, which he said had already been provided

“The only cash request was daily allowances, and that has been sorted and made available,” he said.

On match bonuses, the NSC chairperson assured that payments had received approval and were already undergoing processing.

“The bonuses have been approved. The process is ongoing and the money will come,” he assured.

He added that relevant financial authorities were actively involved to ensure timely release of funds.

“The Ministry of Finance and CBN are on this, so everything will come on time,” Mr Dikko said.

Nigeria have enjoyed an impressive AFCON 2025 run, winning all their matches so far and scoring 12 goals on their way to the quarter-finals.

The Super Eagles are expected to depart Fès for Marrakech on Thursday ahead of Saturday’s showdown against Algeria’s Desert Foxes at the Stade de Marrakech, scheduled for 5 p.m.

Earlier reports had suggested tension within the camp over unpaid match bonuses, with comparisons drawn to previous standoffs involving the national team.

However, NSC officials insist the situation has been brought under control as the team intensifies preparations for one of their toughest tests of the tournament.