Amid concerns that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s pledge of $100,000 and a three-bedroom flat to each member of the victorious Super Falcons and women’s senior basketball team, D’Tigress, who triumphed in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and FIBA Afrobasket Championship respectively, may not be fulfilled in a timely manner it as has happened with similar promises from his predecessors, the chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Malam Shehu Dikko, insists that President Tinubu is fully committed to his promises and has directed the relevant agencies to act promptly.
Dikko stated that the President’s rewards for the athletes transcend mere celebration of their accomplishments, saying it was a deliberate strategy by the federal government to secure the future of sports in the country.
Speaking to LEADERSHIP Weekend shortly after attending an event organised by the National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday in Abuja, Dikko affirmed that the Tinubu administration is determined to rectify the mistakes of the past and cannot afford to repeat the errors of previous administrations.
AFCON 1994 promise:
To emphasise this commitment, Dikko revealed that former Super Eagles coach, Clement Westerhof, recently visited his office to address a housing promise made to him as far back as 1994 when he led Nigeria to their second AFCON title in Tunisia.
“What we are endorsing is what we call Renewed Hope, which aligns with the vision of Mr President. He knows precisely what he is doing. A week before these promises were made to the ladies, I was with Clement Westerhof, who came all the way from Holland. We are endeavouring to resolve the housing promise made to him in 1994. This government is now actively working to fulfil those commitments, demonstrating its resolve to ensure that its promises are kept.
Due Process
The NSC boss assured that the President’s promise to the Falcons and D’Tigress will be redeemed in short possible time but not without due process procedure.
“I can assure you that Mr President has already directed all necessary agencies to act on the promises made to the women and to ensure these commitments are fulfilled in a timely manner. However, I urge everyone to allow them the time to process it properly. We must not place undue pressure on them or the athletes. If promises are made today, followed by quick cash handouts, people should be concerned that the country is not being managed correctly. Disbursing money must follow due process,” he said.
Dikko, a former chairman of the defunct League Management Company (LMC), confirmed that the athletes have already received all their legitimate earnings from the tournaments. “What we distributed to the athletes immediately after the tournaments was what they rightfully earned from their participation. What we are discussing now is a gift from Mr President, which has undergone the appropriate processes. I can assure you that shortly, they will confirm receipt of their funds. As a sports journalist, you should be aware that players typically remain silent about receiving their payments; they only voice concerns when payments are delayed.
“But I assure you this promise will be fulfilled properly. Mr President will not hesitate to instruct the appropriate individuals to ensure this happens, and we are actively working on it. If you observe, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has already issued announcements regarding the ladies’ welcome into the Renewed Hope Estate, indicating they have new residents. This shows that all those tasked with executing the President’s directives are diligently at work. I assure you, everything will be handled correctly and will not resemble past failures. We are committed to correcting the mistakes of previous administrations, which is why we hope to allocate funding in the budget to address promises made as far back as 1982 that have yet to be fulfilled. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is dedicated to achieving results,” Dikko stated.
Strategic move to curb crime
According to Dikko, the reward initiative aligns with the broader vision of utilising sports as a means to address crime, unemployment, and discontent among Nigerian youths while promoting discipline and national unity, emphasising that the era of neglecting athletes is over.
“The rewards are not merely symbolic — they demonstrate the government’s genuine commitment to recognising excellence and investing in the future of Nigerian sports. When athletes are aware that their efforts are valued, they strive harder, fostering a culture of success.
“Every Nigerian athlete is now aware that if they perform well, their country will support them. What the President is implementing is not merely about rewarding the present; it is about laying a strong foundation for the future of Nigerian sports,” he said.
Development framework
He revealed that the government is already working on a National Sports Development Framework, a structured system designed to guide athletes, coaches, and stakeholders under the Renewed Hope initiative.
“We are cultivating a culture that values principles, discipline, and performance. This is not solely about medals — it’s about providing every Nigerian athlete with a fair opportunity for greatness. Truly, this is just the beginning,” Dikko concluded.
