The Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon Bukola Olapade, has confirmed that all funds meant for the Super Eagles have been released to the Nigeria Football Federation.
Olapade made the clarification while reacting to reports that the players suspended training over unpaid bonuses and poor logistics ahead of their World Cup playoff match.
He explained that the NSC does not deal directly with players or coaches when it comes to payments, stressing that the Federation is solely responsible for disbursing money to the team.
“Since I took office, every allocation approved for the Super Eagles has been remitted to the NFF. The Commission doesn’t pay players directly, we channel all funds through the Federation. So far, there has been no reason to raise any complaint,” he stated.
Bukola Olapade, who was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in November 2024, assured that the Commission has remained transparent in its financial dealings and urged Nigerians to remain patient as the issue is being addressed.
Earlier this year, President Tinubu approved the payment of ₦12 billion to clear all outstanding bonuses and allowances owed to Nigeria’s national teams, including the Super Eagles, Super Falcons, and Flying Eagles. The gesture was widely celebrated as a confidence booster ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
In May 2025, the Sports Commission also confirmed that all bonuses for the World Cup qualifying games against Rwanda and Zimbabwe had been fully settled. According to the Commission’s chairman, Shehu Dikko, the payments were made promptly to motivate the players and maintain discipline within the camp.
Despite these efforts, the recurring problem of unpaid bonuses continues to create tension between the players and the football authorities.
With the NSC now confirming the full release of funds, the spotlight shifts to the NFF to explain why the Super Eagles still protested over unpaid entitlements.
Should we send you latest update about your favourite sports and team?
Enter you email in the box below and hit the subscribe button to join our teaming 876+ sports community.
