We 're approaching the playoffs like Cup final, all hands are on deck - Dikko

We 're approaching the playoffs like Cup final, all hands are on deck - Dikko

By Mike Ndidi, Abuja

National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, says the Super Eagles' remaining 2026 FIFA World Cup Africa Playoff Round is being treated like a Cup final at all levels.

Speaking on the reported strained relationship with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Dikko assured that the NSC and the Federation have been working hand in hand and with all other stakeholders.

"We're working as one team, and that is why everybody can see the successes we've been recording recently.

"We know what to do and, at the Federal Government level, we're providing all the enablement and the funds to ensure we succeed.

"Whatever the NFF requested for the 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, we have provided for them.

"That's why we are also putting our heads together to make sure that we're carrying along the players with the same mindset and mentality," he said.

Dikko stated firmly that the NSC as the coordinating head has, with both the NFF and other stakeholders, been taking it one step at a time, pointing out that success can only come when all hands are on deck.

"Whatever we are doing, we are doing together with the NFF and everyone is involved.

"The players are also watching closely, because it's a national assignment and it's for Nigeria.

"It's for the country and I believe if we are all working together in the same direction moving forward, our success will be guaranteed," he said.

On the matter of payment of a special bonus to the Super Eagles ahead of the Africa playoff round, Dikko gave an insight into the bonus structure with the Super Eagles players.

"When we at the NSC came on board, we helped to return the team to a better position on the table.

"We met with the players and the NFF, and we agreed on a structure with the bonus that was given to them.

"You can all see how we were able to recover with this and returned to contention to where we are now.

"So, we are going to adopt the same approach now.

"We are going to have conversations with the players and the NFF, to see how to plan for these players. It should be taken in a special manner.

"We're going to be playing these upcoming matches like a final. Every match at this stage is a final, it's a different ball game.

"There are no more group matches. Now, they are do-or-leave games.

"This is a finals, and we have to treat the players very specially and we are working with the NFF to see how the players react and this depends on this special arrangement and re-enact the same mentality that gave us the focus against Republic of Benin in our last qualifier," he assured.