…Players Expected to Receive Disbursement Immediately

In a historic first, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has approved the full payment of all allowances and match bonuses to Nigeria’s senior women’s football team, the Super Falcons, up to and including their final match against Morocco in the 2025 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled for Saturday, July 26, 2025.

The payments, which have been made by the National Sports Commission as at the 23rd of July 2025, through the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), are to be disbursed to the players, coaches and team officials without delay, dispute, or drama – marking a major shift in athlete welfare and accountability in Nigerian sports where in the past, athlete allowances are paid long after tournaments have ended. This unprecedented step is part of the broader reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at restoring trust between Nigerian athletes and the authorities that serve them.

“This is not just payment. It is policy in motion and clear evidence of a new era in Nigerian sports, where our athletes are no longer celebrated only in moments of victory but respected in the entire process,” said Mal. Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission.

“In line with Mr. President’s directive, I have instructed the NFF to ensure that all players, coaches and team officials receive their full entitlements before the close of business tomorrow, Friday, July 25, 2025, except the players themselves choose otherwise. That is the expectation. No delays. No issues,” he added.

In a similar vein, Nigeria’s basketball champions, D’Tigress, who are preparing to compete in the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket in Côte d’Ivoire (July 25 – August 3), are also receiving enhanced allowances, welfare packages, and performance bonuses for the entire tournament. The team, which reached the quarterfinals at the last Olympic Games and are four-time continental champions, will be aiming for a record fifth title.

“This is the kind of sports administration we are building at the National Sports Commission – one rooted in shared prosperity, dignity of labour, and a culture of trust,” said Mal. Dikko.

“Going forward, this will be the standard. As long as resources are available, what our athletes earn, they will be paid – promptly and in full. What they deserve, they will receive.”

The National Sports Commission congratulates the Super Falcons for qualifying for the final and extends best wishes to D’Tigress as they commence their continental campaign.

These athletes continue to be a source of national pride-on and off pitch.