Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, has confirmed that the Super Falcons have received all their outstanding allowances and match bonuses ahead of the final of the 2025 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, as directed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a statement released on Thursday, Dikko noted that for the first time in the nation’s sporting history, payments to players, coaches, and team officials have been fully disbursed — covering every match, including the final set to be played on July 26 against Morocco.
“For the first time in our sporting history, the Super Falcons have been paid all their allowances and match bonuses as at the 23rd of July, 2025, through the NFF for immediate disbursement to the players, coaches and team officials, up to, and including the final match due to take place on 26th July 2025 against Morocco without delay, dispute, unnecessary distractions or drama as they march towards a historic 10th African title,” said Dikko.
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He described the move as more than just a financial gesture, calling it a reflection of a deeper policy reform under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“This is not just payment. It is policy in motion and proof of a new era in Nigerian sports under the leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR where our athletes are no longer celebrated only in victory but also respected in process as well as building a new trust between our athletes and the authorities,” he noted.
Dikko revealed that President Tinubu had given direct orders for all Falcons players to be fully settled before close of business on Friday, July 25, stressing that there would be no room for excuses or administrative lapses.
“Mr President has also directed the NFF through my office, to ensure that all players receive their due entitlements before the close of business tomorrow, Friday 25th July 2025 except the players themselves decide otherwise. That is the expectation. No delays. No issues,” he said.
In addition to the Super Falcons, Dikko announced a significant welfare boost for Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, who are currently preparing for their campaign at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket tournament in Côte d’Ivoire, which kicks off on July 25.
“Similarly, D’Tigress, our Basketball African champions and Olympic quarter-finalists, who are beginning their campaign for their fifth African title at the 2025 FIBA Women AfroBasket in Cote d’Ivoire (25th July – 3rd August 2025), are also receiving improved allowances, welfare packages, and winning bonuses for the full duration of the tournament. They deserve nothing less. We are investing in their confidence, their welfare, and their winning spirit.
“Dikko emphasized that the NSC, under the “Renewed Hope” agenda of the current administration, is committed to a sports culture anchored on equity, dignity, and consistency.“
This is the kind of sports administration we are building at the National Sports Commission under the renewed hope agenda — one rooted in shared prosperity, dignity of labour, and a culture of trust,” he affirmed.
He assured that the policy of prompt payment and respect for athletes’ entitlements would be institutionalized as a new national standard, contingent on the availability of resources.
“I must also add that going forward, this will be the new standard for how we treat our athletes in Nigeria. As long as resources are available, what you earn, you will be paid without any delays. What you deserve, you will receive.”
Dikko concluded by congratulating the Super Falcons on reaching the finals and lauded them for their unrelenting spirit and national pride.
“Congratulations once again to our incredible Falcons for qualifying for the finals. You continue to inspire us as Nigerians, on and off the pitch.”
The announcement has been widely welcomed by stakeholders and fans, who have often criticized delays in the payment of players’ dues. With this development, many see a renewed hope for Nigerian sports, where athletes are not only expected to deliver excellence but are also treated with fairness and dignity.
, Shehu Dikko, has confirmed that the Super Falcons have received all their outstanding allowances and match bonuses ahead of the final of the 2025 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, as directed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.){kind=link}