Why Super Eagles AFCON Intervention Fund Was Delayed - NSC Chairman Explains

Why Super Eagles AFCON Intervention Fund Was Delayed - NSC Chairman Explains 

By Niyi Busari 

Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, has attributed the delay in the disbursement of the Super Eagles’ intervention fund for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to structural changes within the Ministry of Finance, stressing that the situation was neither deliberate nor limited to the sports sector, BSNSport.com.ng reports.

Dikko made the clarification while speaking with BSN Sports in Rabat, Morocco, on Sunday, amid concerns over the timing of financial support for the national team’s AFCON campaign.

“There was no intentional delay in the release of funds to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF),” Dikko said. “There were some structural changes in the Ministry of Finance, and this caused a short delay, not only for sports, but across other ministries as well.”

The NSC chairman declined to disclose the exact amount approved by the Federal Government for the 2025 AFCON. However, he explained that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved a consolidated funding package for the National Sports Commission, rather than allocating separate amounts for individual competitions.

“The President did not approve a specific amount solely for AFCON,” Dikko clarified. “He approved a bulk sum for the Sports Commission, from which we are expected to fund AFCON, the Islamic Games in Riyadh, the Youth Games in Angola, and other sporting engagements.”

According to Dikko, the Nigeria Football Federation had already submitted its budget for the AFCON campaign, and the Commission is currently reviewing and implementing it to meet all financial obligations.

He further assured that players’ entitlements have been clearly addressed.

“The most important thing is that the players already know their bonuses for every stage they qualify for,” he said. “Those figures have been agreed upon, and the funds are already captured within the NFF’s submitted budget.”

Dikko’s comments are expected to ease concerns surrounding funding logistics as the Super Eagles continue their quest for continental success.