President Bola Tinubu has approved the full payment of allowances and match bonuses for Nigeria’s Super Falcons, just days before their highly anticipated final against Morocco in the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

The confirmation came Thursday from Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, during a media briefing in Abuja.

“All entitlements covering every stage of the tournament up to the final on July 26 have been disbursed for immediate payment to players, coaches, and officials,” Dikko stated.

The move is part of what Dikko described as “policy in motion”, highlighting President Tinubu’s ongoing reforms to uplift Nigeria’s sports sector. He stressed that this proactive approach would now become standard practice, ensuring timely payments to athletes and eliminating the long-standing issues of delayed bonuses and allowances.

Extending Support Beyond Football

In a show of broader commitment, Dikko revealed that the financial backing also extends to D’Tigress, Nigeria’s women’s basketball team. The squad is set to begin their campaign at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket tournament in Côte d’Ivoire and will receive improved allowances and match bonuses under the same reform agenda.

“This is the kind of sports administration we are building one rooted in dignity, trust, and shared prosperity,” Dikko said. “Future generations will appreciate President Tinubu’s reforms in the sports sector.”

A Shift in Nigeria’s Sports Culture

The announcement signals a departure from past controversies surrounding athlete compensation in Nigeria, particularly affecting women’s teams who have often staged protests or threatened boycotts over unpaid bonuses.

The gesture has already been hailed as a morale booster for the Super Falcons as they prepare for their WAFCON final clash against host nation Morocco. With the backing of the presidency and a renewed administrative approach, expectations are high both on and off the pitch.