NSC Raises NPFL Prize Money to N1bn, Sets N2m Minimum Wage for Players

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has announced a major boost for the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), raising the prize money for next season’s champions to a minimum of ₦1 billion.

The new prize money is a sharp increase from the previous ₦200 million awarded to the league winners.

Shehu Dikko, chairman of the NSC, announced the development on Tuesday in Abuja after a meeting with top officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

The meeting also produced another major decision: the introduction of a ₦2 million minimum wage for NPFL players.

According to Dikko, the champions of the 2026/27 NPFL season will receive at least ₦1 billion, while the runners-up are expected to earn ₦500 million. The third-placed team is also expected to receive ₦300 million, subject to official confirmation by league authorities.

Dikko said the new prize structure is part of wider efforts to improve the standard, commercial value, and competitiveness of Nigerian domestic football.

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

“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 club licensing rules must be strictly enforced. They said clubs should not only meet basic requirements but must work towards stronger standards that can improve professionalism across the league.

Enugu Rangers are the reigning NPFL champions after winning the 2025/26 season.

The official date for the start of the 2026/27 NPFL season has not yet been announced.