The National Sports Commission and the Nigeria Football Federation have approved a record N1 billion prize for the winners of the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season.
NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko announced the landmark decision on Tuesday following a high-level meeting with the NFF leadership at the NSC headquarters in Abuja. The runners-up will receive N500 million, while the third-placed team will earn N300 million, subject to official confirmation by league authorities.
The new prize structure represents a seismic shift from the previous N200 million awarded to champions. Dikko described it as part of broader efforts to improve the commercial value, professionalism, and competitiveness of the domestic league.
“A major highlight of the meeting was that the champions of the 2026/27 NPFL season will receive a minimum prize money of N1 billion,” Dikko said.
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The NSC and NFF also approved a minimum monthly wage of N2 million for NPFL players. The move is designed to improve player welfare, encourage professionalism, and strengthen the domestic football ecosystem.
Stakeholders agreed that club licensing regulations will be strictly enforced, with clubs expected to meet maximum professional standards rather than merely satisfy minimum requirements.
“Professional football must be run professionally. If strict enforcement means fewer clubs qualify initially, then so be it. What is important is raising standards across the board,” Dikko said.
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The meeting also reviewed preparations for the Super Falcons ahead of the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Officials agreed on measures to strengthen funding, improve player welfare, and support the team’s preparation programme.
NFF President Ibrahim Gusau emphasised the importance of collaboration in achieving the federation’s objectives. NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade praised the growing cooperation among football stakeholders.
“Together, we are transforming the way sports are administered in this country, and today’s meeting demonstrates our collective determination to build a stronger future for Nigerian football,” Olopade said.
The reforms represent the largest prize fund ever introduced in the history of the NPFL and are expected to take effect from the commencement of the 2026/27 season.
