In a significant boost to Nigerian sports, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the full payment of all allowances and match bonuses for the Super Falcons, just days before their final showdown against Morocco in the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The announcement was made in Abuja on Thursday by Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, who praised the move as a reflection of the President’s unwavering support for Nigerian athletes.
According to Dikko, all outstanding payments — including those due for the WAFCON final on July 26 — have been processed and disbursed for immediate payment to the Super Falcons’ players, coaches, and technical officials.
“This is not just a one-off,” Dikko emphasized. “It is a demonstration of policy in motion. Under President Tinubu, Nigerian athletes can now expect their entitlements to be delivered promptly and without drama. This is the new standard.”
The chairman also revealed that similar financial support is being extended to the national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, who are gearing up for the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket tournament in Côte d’Ivoire. The team is set to receive upgraded allowances and bonuses ahead of their campaign.
Dikko noted that the prompt disbursement of funds and bonuses is part of a broader reform agenda aimed at restoring trust and dignity in Nigeria’s sports administration.
“This government is building a sports ecosystem rooted in fairness, accountability, and shared prosperity,” he said. “The current generation of athletes—and indeed those to come—will look back and appreciate these transformative reforms.”
The move has been widely welcomed by players and sports enthusiasts, many of whom have long criticized the inconsistent and often delayed compensation for Nigerian national teams. The timely payments are expected to boost morale and enhance performance as both teams prepare for their respective continental battles.
