NPFL champions to receive ₦1 billion prize money in 2026/27

The winners of the 2026/2027 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) will take home at least ₦1 billion. This is the biggest prize money in Nigerian domestic football.

Shehu Dikko, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, shared this news after a key meeting with the Nigeria Football Federation in Abuja. The meeting took place at the National Sports Commission Headquarters on Tuesday.

Dikko mentioned several important decisions aimed at boosting Nigerian football. He said the NSC and NFF are committed to developing the sport in Nigeria.

He stated that the decisions are focused on improving the lives of players and coaches, as well as making the NPFL more competitive.

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

Dikko called the new prize structure part of a larger effort to improve the 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," he added.

Dikko also spoke about the national teams, especially the Super Eagles. He said that Coach Eric Chelle will have a new contract and better pay.

He mentioned that the NFF will finalize the needed documents, and there will be new welfare packages and performance targets for the coach’s assistants.

"The coach expressed satisfaction with the outcome of our discussions, and we are confident this will provide the necessary environment for success," he said.

Dikko said they agreed to start planning for the 2030 FIFA World Cup right away.

"To ensure continuity in player development, Eric Chelle has been appointed to also oversee Nigeria’s Under-23 National Team, popularly known as the Dream Team.

"This setup will help young talents transition smoothly into the senior national team, while extra technical staff will support both teams when their schedules overlap.

"Our goal is to build now for 2030 by identifying and developing the next generation of players. We want Nigeria to do well at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and qualify for future international competitions," he said.

The NSC and NFF also discussed preparations for the Super Falcons ahead of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

The groups agreed on a plan to improve funding, enhance player welfare, and support the team’s preparation program.

The Super Falcons will start camping in Nigeria before heading to Morocco for international friendly matches before the tournament.

They also talked about issues related to players' welfare and pay during the meeting.

The NSC, NFF, and NPFL leaders agreed that clubs must meet strict licensing requirements, not just the bare minimum.

"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.

To assist with the reform process, the NSC and league authorities agreed on a significant support package. The ₦1 billion championship prize will serve as a big incentive for compliance.

Bukola Olopade, the Director-General of the NSC, praised the teamwork among football stakeholders. He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to sports development.

"Together, we are transforming the way sports are run in this country, and today’s meeting shows our determination to build a stronger future for Nigerian football," he said.

NFF President Ibrahim Gusau highlighted the need for teamwork to achieve the federation’s goals.

"With the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations coming up in July and AFCON qualification matches starting in September, it's vital for us to work with the NSC leadership to discuss the way forward.

"Whatever we want to achieve in Nigerian football needs collaboration, and today’s meeting was both timely and productive," he said.

In another development, stakeholders agreed to set a minimum wage of ₦2 million for NPFL players. This change aims to improve player welfare and promote professionalism in Nigerian football.

The new financial incentives and welfare reforms are expected to boost competition among clubs and elevate the appeal of Nigerian football.