By Lawrence Zongo
Former Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, has raised concerns over the inclusion of ₦6.44 billion in Nigeria’s 2026 budget for a “Special Presidential Support Group for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers” despite the country’s earlier elimination from the qualification campaign.
Dalung, in a statement posted on his official Facebook page, questioned why public funds were allocated for a sporting programme whose competitive activities had already ended, describing the development as a matter that requires urgent explanation and transparency from relevant authorities.
The former minister, who oversaw Nigeria’s qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, said football qualification campaigns operate within clearly defined timelines, with specific activities and financial requirements.
According to him, once a qualification campaign ends, the justification for funds tied specifically to that process also expires.
“If the allocation was merely a budgeting error, Nigerians deserve an explanation. If it was meant for another purpose, the government should say so. But if it was deliberately retained after the qualification campaign had ended, then those responsible must account for it,” Dalung stated.
He stressed that his concerns were not politically motivated but based on the need for accountability in the management of public resources.
Dalung noted that World Cup qualification exercises involve structured planning, including logistics, training, match preparations, and administrative responsibilities, all of which are tied to the official qualification schedule.
“There is no justification for appropriating billions for a qualification exercise that had already concluded,” he said.
The former minister, however, cautioned against making accusations without evidence, adding that public officials have a responsibility to provide explanations whenever questions arise over government spending.
“No one should be presumed guilty without evidence. However, when public funds are involved, and legitimate questions arise, silence is never an acceptable answer. The appropriate response is transparency,” he added.
Dalung’s comments come amid growing public scrutiny over government budget allocations and expenditure priorities, with calls from civil society groups and citizens for greater accountability in the use of public funds.
The former minister said Nigerians deserve a clear explanation on why the ₦6.44 billion provision was included in the 2026 budget despite the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the tournament.
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