Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, has addressed growing concerns surrounding the reported delay in paying allowances to the Super Falcons ahead of Saturday’s WAFCON final.
Speaking during a televised interview on Friday, Dikko clarified that the delay wasn’t due to negligence or indifference, but rather a result of the procedural bottlenecks often associated with government disbursement processes.
“People need to understand that this money is never delayed deliberately,” Dikko said. “It is because of the processes for the government.”
He stressed that all necessary bonuses including those tied to the final have already received full presidential approval from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and have been released through the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF).
“The instruction is that they should try everything possible to make sure the girls receive their money at the latest by close of business today,” he added.
Dikko also noted that the women’s national team has been consistently factored into the national sports budget, highlighting the administration’s intention to ensure female athletes are treated fairly.
“At least, the females are getting the decent bonuses they deserve,” he said, comparing the figures with those of the Super Eagles, who reportedly receive as much as $10,000 per tournament.
As the Super Falcons gear up for the WAFCON final against host nation Morocco at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, Dikko said the team remains focused and undistracted, with their eyes firmly on the prize.
The current campaign, branded “Mission X,” reflects the team’s ambition to secure a record-extending tenth African title. Dikko expressed full confidence in the players’ mindset and preparation, even though he stopped short of making a specific score prediction.
He also acknowledged the widespread public and institutional support the team has received, citing encouraging messages from the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and other high-ranking officials as major morale boosters.
“Focus is to get the cup tomorrow,” he said.
The Super Falcons, who are already nine-time African champions, will face the Atlas Lionesses in a highly anticipated final on Saturday.
