In January, President Bola Tinubu approved ₦12 billion to clear unpaid bonuses and allowances for the Super Eagles and other national teams in preparation for the 2023 AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire. The sports ministry, led by John Enoh, transferred the first tranche between February and March to the Nigeria Football Federation NFF account. Due to foreign exchange variations, payments were initially withheld.

On June 27, 2024, a second tranche exceeding ₦5 billion was transferred to the NFF, making the total amount ₦17 billion. This fund aims to settle outstanding payments dating back to 2021 for the Super Eagles, as well as for the Flying Eagles, Golden Eaglets, and Falconets from various in 2022 and 2023. The government now needs to ensure that these funds are promptly disbursed to the rightful beneficiaries.

Editorial

The approval and transfer of ₦17 billion to the NFF to settle unpaid bonuses and allowances is a crucial step towards restoring trust and morale among Nigeria's national football teams. This significant financial intervention underscores the government's recognition of the athletes' contributions and the importance of honouring financial commitments.

Unpaid bonuses have long been a source of frustration and demotivation for players, often affecting their performance and dedication. By addressing these overdue payments, the government not only boosts the players' morale but also sets a precedent for financial accountability and timely compensation in the future.

However, it is essential that the NFF ensures transparency and efficiency in disbursing these funds. Any delays or mishandling could undermine the positive impact of this financial intervention. The players deserve prompt and fair compensation for their hard work and dedication to representing Nigeria on the international stage.

This situation also highlights the broader issue of financial management within sports federations. It is imperative to establish robust financial systems and oversight mechanisms to prevent such backlogs from occurring again. Ensuring regular and timely payments will foster a professional environment conducive to success.

While the transfer of funds to clear unpaid bonuses is a positive development, the focus must now shift to ensuring these funds reach the players without further delays. This move, coupled with improved financial management practices, will help restore faith in the system and encourage continued excellence in Nigerian football.

Did You Know?

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• The Super Eagles, Nigeria’s senior national football team, have won the Africa Cup of Nations three times in 1980, 1994, and 2013.
  
• The Flying Eagles are Nigeria's U20 national team, known for their strong performances in the FIFA U20 World Cup.
  
• The Golden Eaglets, Nigeria's U17 team, have won the FIFA U17 World Cup a record five times.
  
• The Falconets are Nigeria's U20 women's national team, with notable performances in the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup.
  
• Financial stability and timely payments are crucial for maintaining the morale and performance of national teams, highlighting the importance of the recent financial intervention.