Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko has revealed that the commission has made provisions for the upfront payment of Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle’s salary until October through a presidentially endorsed support group as part of efforts to stabilise Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualification campaign.

Dikko detailed the role of the commission in rescuing Nigeria’s faltering qualification journey, including financial interventions, logistical support, and incentives for players in an interview with former Nigeria international Segun Odegbami on Eagle 7 Sports Radio 103.7 FM.

“When we assumed office, Nigeria had played four qualifying matches and only earned three points from a possible twelve. It was a complicated situation,” Dikko said.

To tackle the challenge, Dikko said the commission proposed the establishment of a Presidential Support Group, a public-private partnership initiative that would 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, adding that the group will soon be unveiled.

Among the group’s early interventions was stepping in to fund the national team’s technical direction.

“We worked with the Nigeria Football Federation to appoint the coach, and although the NFF signed his contract, we, through the support group, decided to cover his salary until October. This will give the NFF space to secure long-term funding and sponsorship,” he explained.

“It’s not the commission paying directly, the support group is providing relief so the NFF can focus on other critical needs. We are processing his payment upfront. The idea is to settle him completely, so he can concentrate on getting the team to the World Cup.”

The commission’s interventions have extended beyond finances as Dikko also disclosed that they also organised a charter flight for Nigerian supporters during the recent qualifier against Rwanda, a move he said boosted team morale.

He also revealed that a new bonus structure has been agreed with the players for each World Cup qualifier.

“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. That level of organisation shows respect and commitment,” he added.

Looking ahead, the commission is planning three friendly matches during May and June to give the coaching team more time with the players. He added that pitch experts were also being consulted to improve playing surfaces domestically.

He reiterated that while the NFF retains full responsibility for the coach, the commission’s intervention is a goodwill gesture to keep the qualification campaign on track.

“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.

Credit: punchng.com

Super Eagles’ Eric Chelle’s salary paid upfront, Shehu Dikko says

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