July 24, (THEWILL) — President Tinubu has approved the full payment of allowances and match bonuses for Nigeria’s Super Falcons ahead of their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco on Saturday. The National Sports Commission confirmed that payments were processed on July 23 through the Nigeria Football Federation, covering all entitlements up to and including the final match.
Shehu Dikko, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, announced that players, coaches and team officials must receive their disbursements by close of business on Friday, July 25. The directive represents a significant departure from previous practices where athlete payments were often delayed long after tournaments concluded. Dikko described the move as “policy in motion and clear evidence” of reformed sports administration under Nigeria’s current government.
The payment strategy extends beyond football. Nigeria’s basketball team D’Tigress will receive enhanced allowances, welfare packages and performance bonuses for the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket tournament in Côte d’Ivoire, running from July 25 to August 3. The four-time continental champions reached the Olympic Games quarter-finals and are pursuing a record fifth African title.
This financial commitment arrives as both teams compete for continental supremacy. The Super Falcons are chasing their 10th African title when they face Morocco in Saturday’s final, whilst D’Tigress begin their campaign for a fifth championship. The timing of these payments aims to eliminate financial distractions during crucial tournament phases.
The National Sports Commission has declared this approach will become standard practice for Nigerian athletes. Resources permitting, the commission pledges prompt and full payment of earned allowances and deserved entitlements.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
