Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, has assured Nigerian athletes and fans that the long-standing issue of unpaid bonuses and allowances for national teams is now a thing of the past, following new directives approved at the highest level of government.
Speaking on the matter, Dikko revealed that clear-cut financial procedures have now been put in place to ensure that funds meant for athletes are released promptly, eliminating the delays that have often caused unrest within national teams.
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“The days when national teams are owed bonuses are over. There are now clear directives to the relevant ministries and agencies that sports budgets must be approved and disbursed immediately,” Dikko said.
He explained that the new framework was backed directly by the Presidency, ensuring accountability and removing bureaucratic bottlenecks that previously slowed down payments.
“Once budgets are approved, the funds must be released. This is no longer optional. The system has changed,” he added.
Dikko referenced the recent standoff involving the Super Eagles, who boycotted training sessions ahead of their World Cup playoffs against DR Congo due to delayed allowances, describing it as an unfortunate situation that has now informed lasting reforms.
“What happened with the Super Eagles should never happen again. Athletes should focus on performance, not whether their entitlements will be paid,” he said.
The NSC chairman stressed that the welfare of athletes remains central to the commission’s vision, noting that prompt payment of bonuses is essential to motivation, trust, and professionalism.
“When athletes feel respected and taken care of, they give everything. Welfare is not a privilege; it is a right,” Dikko stated.
He further assured that the commission will closely monitor compliance, warning that any agency or authority that fails to follow the new directives will be held accountable.
“We will not tolerate lapses. Sportsmen and women represent the nation, and they deserve to be treated with dignity,” he emphasized.
Dikko expressed optimism that the reforms will restore confidence between athletes and administrators, helping Nigeria build stable and competitive national teams across all sports.
“This is about rebuilding trust. Once trust is restored, performance will naturally improve,” he concluded.
The announcement has been welcomed as a significant step toward addressing one of Nigerian sports’ most persistent challenges.
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