…sets N2m minimum wage for players

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has increased the prize money for the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) winners to a staggering N1 billion.

According to NAN, NSC Chairman, Shehu Dikko, announced the new NPFL prize money in Abuja on Tuesday.

The new NPFL prize money is up from the previous amount of N200 million, Dikko said in a meeting with top officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

The two parties have also agreed to introduce a minimum wage of N2 million for players in the league.

“A major highlight of the meeting was that the champions of the 2026/27 NPFL season will receive a minimum prize money of ₦1 billion,” the NSC chairman said.

“The runners-up will receive ₦500 million, while the third-placed team will earn ₦300 million, subject to official confirmation by league authorities.

Dikko described the new prize structure as part of broader efforts to improve the commercial value, professionalism, and competitiveness of the domestic league.

“I want to thank the NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau, and the General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, for a very productive engagement.

“The issues discussed today are fundamental to the growth and development of Nigerian football.

“Collectively, we share the same ambition and vision of moving Nigerian football forward and ensuring sustained success at every level.”

The NSC, NFF, and NPFL leadership also agreed that maximum club licensing requirements, not merely minimum standards, must be strictly enforced.

Enugu Rangers won the 2025/26 NPFL title but the date for the commencement of the next campaign is yet to be announced.