Lawmakers Push For Advance Funding To Protect Eagles During Tournaments
By FRED LONGJOHN OBEH & TOSAN OYAKHILOME-AKAHOMEN
PERSISTENT payment delays affecting the Super Eagles have prompted the National Assembly to propose removing the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) from the Treasury Single Account (TSA) system. The move comes as lawmakers seek to ensure that bureaucratic bottlenecks do not disrupt Nigeria’s preparations for international football competitions.
The proposal was raised during the NFF’s budget defence session on 11 February 2026, where legislators expressed concern that the TSA framework, while promoting financial transparency, has created operational hurdles that delay payments to players, officials, and staff during critical periods.
The Treasury Single Account Challenge
The TSA is a centralized banking mechanism that consolidates all federal government revenues and expenditures through the Central Bank of Nigeria. Though the system is intended to strengthen accountability, lawmakers argue that it can impede urgent disbursements to organizations like the NFF, where timing is crucial.
Historical incidents have highlighted the consequences. In Morocco, during a CAF FIFA World Cup playoff, Super Eagles players reportedly refused to train due to unpaid allowances and bonuses, bringing negative attention to Nigerian football on the global stage.
NFF Responds
NFF President Ibrahim Gusau attributed the delays to procedural requirements between the Ministry of Finance and the CBN. He acknowledged that these administrative steps often impact timely payments but assured lawmakers that the federation is committed to improving its internal processes.
Legislative Solutions Proposed
Lawmakers suggested a special funding arrangement for the NFF, allowing the federation to access tournament-related funds in advance, with accountability measures to settle the amounts post-competition. The proposed reform is aimed at insulating national teams from bureaucratic delays while maintaining fiscal oversight.
“The goal is to ensure that our players can focus on representing Nigeria without worrying about unpaid entitlements,” one lawmaker noted.
Looking Ahead
The National Assembly’s proposal reflects a growing recognition that sports organizations require operational flexibility to compete effectively on the international stage. If implemented, it could redefine how football funding is managed in Nigeria, balancing transparency, efficiency, and performance.
With Nigeria preparing for upcoming international fixtures, the issue of timely payment remains critical to sustaining the country’s football ambitions and safeguarding the welfare of its athletes.
