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NSC chairman Dikko denies allowance delay claim ahead WAFCON final tomorrow
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Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, has denied the narrative surrounding alleged delays in the payment of allowances to the Super Falcons ahead of the 2025 WAFCON finals.
Speaking during Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Friday, Dikko said, “People need to understand that this money is never delayed deliberately.
‘ It is because of the processes for the government.”
He noted that the delays people often perceived were not deliberate but rather a result of the bureaucratic nature of government processes.
He emphasised that all bonuses, including those for the final match, had been approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and released by the Nigerian Football Federation.
According to him, the instruction is that they should try everything possible to make sure the girls receive their money at the latest by close of business today”.
Dikko also noted that the female players had consistently been factored into the national sports budget and reiterated the administration’s commitment to fairness.
“At least, the females are getting the decent bonuses they deserve,” he said, comparing the situation to the men’s team, which receives up to $10,000 per tournament.
Dikko also reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to supporting the team, noting that the Super Falcons have consistently been included in the annual sports budget.
He urged the public to understand the complexities involved in disbursing public funds.
‘Focus Is To Win WAFCON’
While expressing optimism ahead of the final match, Dikko highlighted the campaign’s theme, ‘Mission X,’ which represents the team’s ambition to win their tenth WAFCON title.
He praised the Falcons for their focus, determination, and ability to stay above distractions.
Neymar Jr has formally retired from international duty with Brazil following their disappointing World Cup.
The 34-year-old is his nation’s record goalscorer with 80 goals in 130 caps and scored in a fourth World Cup with a penalty against Norway.
But he could not save Carlo Ancelotti’s side from an early exit and struggled for fitness throughout.
Back with Santos and back in the headlines, the former Barcelona forward has now confirmed he will not play in the famous yellow shirt again.
“My time with the national team is over. I made history, I was very happy, I gave my all, my life,” he said.
“I always fought and gave my best for this jersey, but I think I don’t want it anymore.”
Neymar made his Brazil debut in 2010, scoring on his debut against the USA. He was a star at the 2014 World Cup until he injured his back and without him Brazil were humiliated 7-1 by Germany in the semi-final.
He won the Confederations Cup in 2013 and was runner-up in the Copa America of 2021 but retires after being unable to guide Brazil to a major honour.
Neymar received criticism in the Brazilian press this week after he took part in a poker tournament while he was returning to full fitness following the World Cup.
The 34-year-old celebrated in his comeback match by pretending to deal poker cards, having explained at the time of the reports that he had trained with Santos and been given permission to pursue his pastime.
Former Al-Hilal, Paris-Saint-Germain and Barcelona playmaker Neymar now has six goals in this season’s Serie A, scoring his first club goals since May 10 on his first Santos appearance since May 17.
Debutants Malawi pulled off a shock 3-2 victory over Nigeria’s Super Falcons in their opening Group C fixture at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Rabat.
The result marks a stunning start to the tournament for Malawi, who are appearing at WAFCON for the first time, while Nigeria began their campaign with defeat.
The first half was goalless, with the Super Falcons dominating possession and territory but unable to find a breakthrough. Chiamaka Nnadozie was called into action to deny Malawi late in the half, while Nigeria squandered several chances of their own, including a good opportunity from a cross into the box.
Nigeria brought on Toni Payne for Folashade Ijamilusi early in the second half in search of a way through, but it was Malawi who struck first, capitalising on a defensive lapse to go 2-0 up in the 80th minute.
Nigeria responded in stoppage time, pulling a goal back in the 90+2nd minute, but Malawi restored their two-goal cushion moments later to make it 3-1. Uchenna Kanu gave Nigeria a glimmer of hope with a goal deep into added time, but it wasn’t enough — the match finished 3-2 to Malawi.
The 2026 WAFCON doubles as the qualification tournament for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil, raising the stakes for Nigeria as they look to bounce back in their remaining group matches.
Spanish giants Real Madrid said Tuesday they generated a record 1.221 billion euros ($1.39 billion) in revenue in the 2025/2026 season, despite failing to win a trophy.
“Operating revenue, excluding income from player transfers, reached €1.221 billion, 3.1 percent more than in the previous financial year,” said Los Blancos in a statement.
“Real Madrid has therefore exceeded the €1.2 billion mark for the first time, a figure that no other sports organisation in the world has achieved to date, consolidating the club’s position as the revenue leader in the sports industry.”
Madrid said they made 26 million euros ($30m) profit after tax, up by 8 percent on the earnings from 2024/25.
The club’s strong financial showing was boosted by an increase in income from their renovated Santiago Bernabeu stadium, up by 11 percent to 363 million euros ($413m), along with new sponsorships.
Los Blancos appointed Jose Mourinho as coach to replace Alvaro Arbeloa in June following two seasons without a major trophy, and have made several signings already this summer, including Bernardo Silva and Marc Cucurella.
Madrid have agreed terms with RB Leipzig’s Ivorian winger Yan Diomande according to media reports, while Manchester City midfielder Rodri is also a rumoured target as they continue to remodel their squad.
AFP
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