The National Sports Commission (NSC) has moved to eliminate one of the biggest distractions that has repeatedly overshadowed Nigeria’s participation at major international competitions after Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko confirmed that the Super Falcons’ daily allowances and match bonuses have been fully provided ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
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For years, unpaid bonuses and delayed allowances have dominated headlines during international tournaments, often creating unnecessary tension between players and football authorities.
Determined not to allow history repeat itself, the NSC says it has acted early to ensure the nine-time African champions focus solely on reclaiming their continental crown.
Speaking on the team’s preparations, Dikko revealed that the Commission deliberately released the funds ahead of schedule despite the fact that allocations from the 2026 national budget are yet to be fully disbursed.
According to him, waiting for the complete release of government funds would have been counterproductive, especially with the tournament fast approaching.
“Everything has been provided for the Super Falcons from their daily allowances to their match bonuses. We don’t want the players to be distracted. Their responsibility is to concentrate on football while we take care of their welfare,” Dikko said.
The NSC boss described the decision as part of a new culture of proactive planning under the current sports administration, insisting that athlete welfare must always come first if Nigeria expects its teams to deliver success on the international stage.
He explained that prioritising the Super Falcons became necessary because of the importance of the tournament and Nigeria’s ambition of reclaiming the African title after South Africa lifted the trophy in 2022.
“We had to be proactive. Even though the full 2026 budget allocation has not been released, we considered it important to prioritise funding for the team so that nothing affects their performance,” he added.
Dikko also praised the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for working closely with the NSC throughout the team’s preparations, expressing confidence that the federation will continue providing the motivation and logistical support required during the championship.
“The NFF will also play its part by ensuring the players remain motivated throughout the competition,” he stated.
Nigeria heads into the tournament as Africa’s most successful women’s national team, having won a record 10 WAFCON titles, but faces renewed competition from countries such as South Africa, Morocco and Zambia, whose investment in women’s football has significantly narrowed the gap in recent years.
The Super Falcons have also been vocal in previous tournaments about issues relating to unpaid bonuses and welfare, making the early settlement of financial commitments one of the biggest positives ahead of this year’s campaign.
With the administrative issues seemingly addressed before a ball has even been kicked, attention will now shift to head coach Justin Madugu and his players as they seek to restore Nigeria to the summit of African women’s football.
If Dikko’s assurances translate into a distraction-free environment throughout the competition, the Super Falcons will have one less obstacle standing between them and an historic 11th continental title.
