The National Sports Commission has announced a massive increase in prize money for the Nigeria Premier Football League, with the champions of the 2026/27 season set to earn at least ₦1 billion.
NSC Chairman, Shehu Dikko, revealed the development during a meeting with senior officials of the Nigeria Football Federation in Abuja on Tuesday, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.
The new reward package represents a fivefold increase from the ₦200 million previously awarded to league winners. As part of the reforms, stakeholders also agreed on the introduction of a ₦2 million minimum wage for NPFL players.
“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 said the enhanced financial incentives are aimed at boosting the league’s commercial appeal, professionalism and overall competitiveness.
“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 meeting also produced an agreement between the NSC, NFF and NPFL leadership to strictly enforce the highest club licensing requirements, rather than settling for minimum standards.
Enugu Rangers emerged champions of the 2025/26 NPFL season, although the start date for the next campaign has yet to be confirmed.
