The National Sports Commission has clarified the allocation of N6.44bn in the 2026 budget for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, despite the qualifying campaign ending in 2025 and Nigeria failing to secure a place at the just-concluded tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, Sunday PUNCH reports.
President Bola Tinubu presented a N58.18tn “Budget of Restoration” to a joint session of the National Assembly last year, with the sports sector emerging as one of the biggest beneficiaries. The National Sports Commission’s allocation rose by more than 300 per cent, from N78bn in 2025 to N203.6bn in 2026, to fund infrastructure projects and Nigeria’s participation in major international competitions.
Among the allocations was N6.44bn earmarked for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, despite the qualifying campaign ending in November 2025, a provision that later sparked public scrutiny and calls for clarification.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had led calls
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