Nigerian Sports Committee: 'Problem Solved, Working to Ensure Timely Player Payments'

Malam Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission of Nigeria, confirmed that all financial entitlements for the Nigerian national team players and their technical staff have been settled ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations "Morocco 2025" quarter-final match.

Speaking to the press from the team's training camp in Morocco, Dikko explained that the country's president approved the budget for tournament participation back in November 2025. This approval ensured full coordination among all relevant parties, from the Sports Commission to the Nigerian Football Federation and the players themselves.

Dikko stated: "Budget approval is one thing, and the procedures for disbursing funds are another. However, the players are aware that the funds have been approved, and the disbursement steps are currently being implemented."

He added that extensive meetings were held between national team officials and the squad's stars, during which an agreement was reached on the structure of incentives and bonuses the team would receive until the end of the tournament. The players accepted these incentives before the start of the competitions, as clarified by the committee chairman.

He continued: "The only thing the players requested to be paid in cash was their daily pocket money, and that matter has been addressed and is now available. They are aware that their match bonuses are currently undergoing processing and approval and will reach them soon."

He further noted: "The Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Nigeria are also working to ensure that the entitlements arrive on time. At the very least, the players know that everything is ready and secured."

It is worth noting that the Nigerian national team is set to face Algeria in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals. The match will take place this coming Saturday at 17:00 GMT+1 at the Grand Stade de Marrakech.