NPFL Champions to Earn ₦1 Billion as New Welfare and Licensing Reforms Take Effect
The National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have announced a series of landmark reforms aimed at revitalising Nigerian football, following a high-level strategic meeting held on Tuesday in Abuja.
The meeting, which took place at the NSC headquarters, was attended by NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko, Director-General Hon. Bukola Olopade, NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, and Super Eagles Head Coach Eric Sékou Chelle.
At the heart of the discussions were plans to strengthen Nigeria’s national teams, improve player welfare, and reposition the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) as one of Africa’s most competitive domestic leagues.
One of the major decisions reached at the meeting was the extension of Super Eagles Head Coach Eric Chelle’s contract, accompanied by an improved remuneration package.
The NSC also pledged to assume responsibility for the salaries of Chelle’s assistant coaches, a financial obligation that had previously been covered by the coach himself. Officials said the move is designed to provide greater stability within the technical crew as the Super Eagles prepare for future international competitions and qualification campaigns.
In a significant development, Chelle has also been appointed head coach of Nigeria’s U-23 men’s national team, the Olympic Eagles.
According to football authorities, the decision is part of a broader strategy to create a unified football philosophy across the national teams while ensuring a seamless transition for young talents into the senior squad.
The Olympic Eagles remain one of Nigeria’s most successful national teams, having won Africa’s first-ever Olympic football gold medal at Atlanta 1996, before securing silver at Beijing 2008 and bronze at Rio 2016. Stakeholders believe Chelle’s appointment could help restore the team to its former glory on the continental and global stage.
Speaking after the meeting, NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade described the ongoing reforms as a transformative moment for Nigerian sports.
He commended the leadership of NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko, stating that the commission has introduced a new era of professionalism and innovation in sports administration.
“The leadership of Mallam Shehu Dikko is a blessing to this country in sports. Whether people like it or not, we have changed the way sports is administered in Nigeria. This transformation is possible because of the Chairman’s humane and humble leadership style. For me, this is a rebirth of Nigerian football from the grassroots to the elite level. What we are witnessing is revolutionary,” Olopade said.
In what has been described as the most ambitious financial incentive package in the history of the NPFL, the NSC announced that league champions will receive a record ₦1 billion prize money beginning from next season.
Under the new structure, the second-placed team will earn ₦800 million, while the third-placed club will receive ₦700 million. Other clubs will also receive financial rewards based on their final league positions.
Officials believe the enhanced prize money will attract private investment, improve club administration, retain top talents, and significantly raise the standard and competitiveness of the league.
As part of efforts to improve player welfare, NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko revealed that stricter club licensing regulations would be enforced across the league.
A key component of the reforms is the approval of a minimum monthly salary of ₦2 million for NPFL players.
The initiative is expected to improve living standards for footballers, reduce the exodus of talented players to foreign leagues, and make the domestic competition more attractive to quality players.
Dikko stressed that Nigerian footballers deserve a sustainable income that reflects their contribution to the growth of the game.
“Players must earn a living wage. This is how we build a league that commands respect at home and abroad,” Dikko stated.
The NSC also disclosed that plans are at an advanced stage to return the NPFL to mainstream television broadcasting.
The move is expected to boost the league’s visibility, deepen fan engagement, and create fresh commercial opportunities for clubs, sponsors, and stakeholders.
According to Dikko, increased television coverage is critical to showcasing local talents and expanding the commercial value of Nigerian football.
”Our players must be seen. Our league must be known. Television coverage is non-negotiable,” Dikko added.
With increased investment, stronger regulations, and a clear development strategy, stakeholders believe Nigerian football may be entering one of the most transformative periods in its history.
