Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, has moved to calm tensions in the Super Eagles camp following the recent bonus standoff that briefly disrupted preparations for today’s crucial World Cup playoff showdown against Gabon in Rabat.
Speaking with confidence and reassurance, Dikko confirmed that the commission remains fully behind the team, insisting that despite the off-field storm, preparations for the decisive fixture have now stabilised and every stakeholder understands the magnitude of the task ahead.
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According to the NSC chairman, the disagreement over unpaid bonuses — which led to players boycotting training on Tuesday — has been resolved after urgent intervention and productive dialogue. Dikko stressed that the focus must now shift to the pitch, where Nigeria faces what he described as “three finals” on the road to securing Africa’s slot in next year’s World Cup.
“Everyone understands what is at stake,” Dikko said. “This is not the time for division. The Super Eagles know their responsibility, the NFF knows theirs, and we at the NSC are fully committed to supporting the team in every way possible.”
He added that the commission had already provided the necessary financial backing requested by the NFF for the playoff campaign, dismissing any claims that the government failed in its duties.
Dikko urged Nigerians to rally behind the team rather than amplify internal issues, emphasising that unity is crucial at a time when the World Cup ticket hangs in the balance.
“These playoffs are like cup finals — each one must be approached with total focus and national pride,” he said. “The boys have the quality. What they need now is peace of mind, support from the country, and the belief that they can finish the job.”
Despite the turbulence of the past 48 hours, Dikko expressed strong optimism that the Super Eagles will rise above distractions and deliver the result Nigerians desperately hope for.
