Sports Commission defends N6.44bn World Cup qualifiers budget amid scrutiny

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has defended a N6.44 billion budget allocation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, a move that has drawn public scrutiny. This funding remains in the 2026 budget despite Nigeria failing to qualify for the tournament, which concluded in 2025.

President Bola Tinubu's "Budget of Restoration" significantly increased the sports sector's funding, with the NSC's allocation rising from N78 billion in 2025 to N203.6 billion in 2026. The N6.44 billion specifically earmarked for World Cup qualifiers sparked questions, particularly from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who called for an investigation.

In response, the NSC clarified that the budget subhead was rolled over from the 2025 budget. They stated the initial 2025 allocation was insufficient and funds were not released, necessitating an upward revision to cover outstanding obligations, African playoffs, potential intercontinental playoffs, and other preparatory commitments. The commission emphasized that the funds were intended to support and incentivize the qualification campaign.

The NSC further explained that as of October 23, 2024, when the sports sector was restructured, the Super Eagles' World Cup qualifying campaign was nearing its end. The budget rollover ensures that outstanding obligations and potential participation in the FIFA World Cup Playoffs Tournament can be settled.

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In line with the Federal Government’s directive for the rollover of all 2025 capital budget provisions into the 2026 budget across all MDAs, the unfunded provision for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers subhead was upscaled and rolled over into the 2026 budget so as to settle outstanding obligations, likely participation in the Finals of the FIFA World Cup Playoffs Tournament, and other preparatory obligations.