Dikko Confirms Upfront Payment for Chelle’s Salary

In a bid to salvage Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualification campaign, the National Sports Commission has made a significant intervention by securing the salary of Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle until October.

Chairman of the commission, Shehu Dikko, revealed this in an interview with former Nigeria international Segun Odegbami on Eagle 7 Sports Radio 103.7 FM.

According to Dikko, the commission proposed the establishment of a Presidential Support Group, a public-private partnership initiative that would help fund and facilitate the campaign, which was approved by the President. This support group will soon be unveiled and has already begun making its presence felt.

“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,” Dikko explained.

The commission’s interventions go beyond finances, as Dikko disclosed that they also organized a charter flight for Nigerian supporters during the recent qualifier against Rwanda, which boosted team morale. A new bonus structure has also been agreed upon with the players for each World Cup qualifier.

The commission is planning three friendly matches during May and June to give the coaching team more time with the players. Pitch experts are also being consulted to improve playing surfaces domestically.

Dikko 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.

“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,” Dikko added, highlighting the commission’s commitment to supporting the team.

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