FG Allocates ₦6.44 Billion for Super Eagles’ World Cup Qualifiers after Elimination months earlier

The Federal Government has provisioned ₦6.44 billion in the 2026 Appropriation Act for a “Special (Presidential) Support Group for 2026 World Cup Qualifiers,” even though the Super Eagles were knocked out of the competition in November 2025 well before President Bola Tinubu signed the budget into law on April 17, 2026.

An analysis by The ICIR of the approved budget document reveals the allocation under the National Sports Commission (NSC) as a capital project.

The NSC’s total 2026 budget stands at ₦216.12 billion, including ₦198.17 billion for capital expenditure, of which the World Cup line item forms a notable portion.

The budget provides no explanation for retaining the funds post-elimination.

Nigeria’s qualification hopes ended dramatically on November 16, 2025, when the Super Eagles drew 1-1 with the Democratic Republic of Congo in a playoff match in Rabat, Morocco, before losing 4-3 on penalties. This marked the second consecutive absence from the FIFA World Cup.

• President Tinubu presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly on December 19, 2025 over a month after the exit.

• The National Assembly passed the bill on March 31, 2026.

• Tinubu signed it into law on April 17, 2026, with the allocation intact.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States is currently underway without Nigerian participation.

This discovery comes amid heightened scrutiny of the 2026 budget, including controversial allocations such as over ₦1.3 billion to a purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council that the Presidency has described as non-existent.

Nigeria’s failure to qualify drew criticism over team preparation, player welfare, and administrative issues, including reports of training boycotts over unpaid allowances.

The team had been among Africa’s traditional powerhouses but missed out on the expanded 48-team tournament.

As of now, no official statement from the Presidency, the National Sports Commission, or the Nigeria Football Federation has addressed the continued allocation or plans for the funds.

The budget takes effect from April 1, 2026, raising questions about reallocation, accountability, or potential redirection of the ₦6.44 billion.