The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, has revealed that the commission has made provisions for the upfront salary payment of Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle until October through a presidentially endorsed support group. This move is part of efforts to stabilize Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualification campaign.
According to Dikko, the support group, a public-private partnership initiative, will help fund and facilitate the campaign. “The President approved our request. It is the first time this support group is being formally captured in the national budget,” Dikko said. The group will provide relief to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) by covering Chelle’s salary, allowing the federation to focus on other critical needs.
Dikko disclosed that the commission’s interventions have extended beyond finances, including logistical support and incentives for players. “For the match against Rwanda, the bonuses were paid immediately. While the players were still at dinner, before they had even showered, the money was already on the table,” he added. The commission is also planning three friendly matches during May and June to give the coaching team more time with the players.
The NSC’s support for the national team is a goodwill gesture to keep the qualification campaign on track. Dikko reiterated that while the NFF retains full responsibility for the coach, the commission’s intervention is aimed at ensuring Chelle has all the support he needs to get the team to the World Cup. “We’re not part of the contract. But we’re committed to ensuring the coach has all the support he needs. After all, this is about Nigeria. If we can help, we will. And we are doing just that,” Dikko concluded.
The commission’s efforts have shown positive results, with the team’s morale boosted by the charter flight organized for Nigerian supporters during the recent qualifier against Rwanda. The new bonus structure agreed with the players has also been a motivating factor, with bonuses paid immediately after the match. With the support group’s intervention, Nigeria’s World Cup qualification campaign is expected to receive a significant boost.