NSC Faces Scrutiny Over N6bn World Cup Qualifiers Budget

The National Sports Commission (NSC) is under scrutiny regarding a N6 billion allocation in the 2025 budget for the Super Eagles' World Cup qualifiers, despite the qualification series having concluded. Mallam Shehu Dikko, the chairman of the NSC, explained that the allocation was based on budgetary procedures and aimed to ensure the Super Eagles qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

Although the World Cup qualifiers ended in November, the budget for the 2026 fiscal year, which includes a line item for this allocation, is set to be presented on December 19, 2025. Concerns have been raised about the lack of funding for the qualifiers, including the World Cup playoff final, and the inability to execute the allocated funds.

Dikko clarified that the federal government approved the direct unfunding of the 2025 budget provisions, which complicates the financial situation for the NSC. He emphasized the need for a legal amendment to the budget to ensure additional funds are provided for Nigeria's participation in international competitions.