Super Eagles’ funds released to NFF – Sports Commission boss

Following the recent boycott of training by the Super Eagles, the Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olapade, has clarified that all funds allocated to the national football team have been duly remitted to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) since he assumed office. Olapade made this known while addressing concerns raised about […]

Following the recent boycott of training by the Super Eagles, the Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olapade, has clarified that all funds allocated to the national football team have been duly remitted to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) since he assumed office.

Olapade made this known while addressing concerns raised about the team’s unpaid allowances and logistics issues, which reportedly led to the players’ decision to suspend training.

He emphasized that the NSC does not disburse money directly to players or team officials, as all financial transactions for national football matters are handled through the NFF.

Recall that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Bukola Olapade, a former Ogun State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, as the Director-General of the National Sports Commission on November 14, 2024.

“The NSC has remitted the funds to NFF as at when due since I became DG. Can’t be contradicted. NSC pays to the NFF and all expenditures for their activities is done by them. Up until yesterday, there has not been a reason to query. So wait and see. All I can say for now,” he said.

In January, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu brought relief and excitement to the Super Eagles camp ahead of their preparations for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast by approving the payment of a ₦12 billion backlog owed to the team by the Federal Government.

The financial gesture, which covered outstanding match bonuses and allowances, also extended to other national teams, including the Super Falcons, Flying Eagles, and various youth and developmental squads.

The move was widely praised as a morale booster for the players and coaching staff ahead of the continental tournament.

For years, the NFF and the Super Eagles have been embroiled in recurring disputes over unpaid bonuses and allowances, often leading to player dissatisfaction and distractions before major competitions.

At the time, the then Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh, confirmed that the President had approved and released ₦12 billion to the ministry to settle all outstanding obligations to Nigeria’s national football teams.
Similarly, in May 2025, the National Sports Commission announced it had settled all outstanding payments to the Super Eagles.

The Commission’s chairman, Shehu Dikko, confirmed at the time that all bonuses had been promptly paid following the team’s last two 2026 World Cup qualifying matches in March against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

“The bonuses were paid immediately. While the players were still at dinner, before they had even showered, the money was already on the table. That level of organisation shows respect and commitment,” the NSC chairman had said then.