NSC, NFF Unveil Ambitious Football Reform Agenda, NPFL Champions to Earn ₦1bn
Oru Leonard
The National Sports Commission (NSC), has announced a sweeping reform programme for Nigerian football, including a historic minimum prize fund of ₦1 billion for winners of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), beginning next season.
The landmark initiative was unveiled by NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, after a strategic meeting involving the leadership of the NSC, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and the NPFL. The meeting focused on charting a new course for Nigerian football through stronger collaboration, improved governance, and sustainable development.
Dikko said the stakeholders reviewed key challenges confronting the sport and agreed on measures aimed at strengthening national teams, improving the domestic league, and creating a long-term framework for success.
He disclosed that the meeting approved an enhanced contract and remuneration package for the Super Eagles head coach, with improved welfare provisions for his assistants and clearly defined performance targets.
According to him, the NFF is expected to conclude the necessary documentation in the coming days, adding that the coach expressed satisfaction with the outcome.
As part of efforts to ensure continuity in talent development, Dikko revealed that the Super Eagles technical crew will also take charge of the national Under-23 team. He said the arrangement is designed to create a smooth transition for emerging players into the senior national team while supporting Nigeria’s preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
“The goal is to begin building now for 2030 by identifying and nurturing the next generation of players. Success tomorrow depends on the work we do today,” he said.
The meeting also reviewed preparations for the Super Falcons ahead of the forthcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). Dikko disclosed that a comprehensive programme has been approved, including a training camp in Nigeria before the team travels to Morocco for international friendly matches.
He added that issues relating to players’ welfare and remuneration had been resolved.
A major focus of the discussions was the transformation of the NPFL, which Dikko described as the foundation of Nigerian football. The NSC, NFF and NPFL agreed to enforce club licensing regulations more rigorously to ensure clubs meet professional standards.
“Professional football must be managed professionally. If stricter enforcement means fewer clubs qualify initially, then so be it. Raising standards remains our priority,” he stated.
The highlight of the reform package is the proposed ₦1 billion prize money for NPFL champions, a move Dikko said would be achieved through collaboration between the NSC and league organisers.
“Beginning next season, the winner of the Nigeria Premier Football League will receive a minimum prize money of ₦1 billion through the intervention of the National Sports Commission in collaboration with the league,” he declared.
The unprecedented financial reward is expected to boost professionalism, attract greater investment, improve infrastructure, and enhance the competitiveness of Nigeria’s top-flight league.
Earlier, NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau, stressed the need for stronger collaboration among football stakeholders as Nigeria prepares for key assignments, including the defence of the WAFCON title and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
He described the meeting as productive and expressed confidence that the partnership between the NFF, NSC and NPFL would yield positive outcomes for Nigerian football.
NSC Director-General, Bukola Olopade, also commended the growing synergy among football administrators, describing the reforms as a significant shift in sports governance.
Olopade said the ongoing collaboration among stakeholders would help build a stronger and more competitive football ecosystem capable of delivering sustained success for the country.
