Former Sports Minister Solomon Dalung has launched a scathing attack on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), accusing its leadership of years of financial mismanagement and blaming them directly for the bonus dispute that triggered the Super Eagles’ training boycott on the eve of a crucial 2026 World Cup playoff.
Dalung, speaking with unusual bluntness, said the situation was entirely avoidable and that Nigerians directing anger at the players “simply do not understand what these boys are going through.”
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He insisted that the NFF—not the players—should face scrutiny, arguing that the federation has repeatedly failed to account for funds released to it by the government over the years. According to him, the latest standoff is merely a symptom of a deeper rot that has long crippled Nigerian football.
“Before Nigerians blame the players, let them first ask the NFF to explain how they have handled the money they’ve received over time,” Dalung said. “The Super Eagles are simply asking for what they are owed. Promises were made, commitments were given, and yet we are here again with embarrassment on the eve of a World Cup playoff.”
Dalung said the players’ frustration was justified, noting that professional athletes depend on their bonuses and allowances as part of their contractual expectations. He argued that if public office holders never experience delays in their own remuneration, players representing the nation on the global stage should not be subjected to such uncertainty.
“How do you expect them to give their best when they are owed?” he asked. “People point fingers at the boys, but nobody asks the federation the right questions.”
With Nigeria set to face Gabon today in Rabat, Dalung urged the nation to support the players, stressing that their protest was not an act of sabotage but a plea for accountability.
“These problems are not new, but this match is too important. The boys want to qualify. Nigerians should rally behind them, but they must also hold the NFF accountable.”
