NPFL champions to get N1bn prize money, runners-up receive N500m

The Champions of the 2026/2027 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) will receive a minimum prize money of N1 billion, the highest financial reward in Nigerian domestic football.

The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, disclosed this while addressing newsmen after a high-level strategic meeting of the commission and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) at the National Sports Commission Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.

Dikko, who also disclosed a series of decisions aimed at strengthening Nigerian football, said the NSC and NFF have reaffirmed their commitments to the development of Nigerian football.

Dikko said that these decisions are aimed at improving the welfare of players and coaches, and enhancing the competitiveness of the NPFL.

The NSC boss said: “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

“The runners-up will receive N500 million, while the third-placed team will earn N300 million, subject to official confirmation by league authorities.”

Dikko described the new prize structure as part of broader efforts to improve the commercial value, professionalism, and competitiveness of the domestic league.

Dikko also reviewed the state of the national teams, particularly the Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, a new contract framework and improved remuneration package had been agreed upon.

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He disclosed that the NFF will finalise the necessary documentation, while welfare packages and performance-based benchmarks will also be introduced for the coach’s assistants.

As part of long-term planning, we agreed that preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup must begin immediately.

Dikko added: “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.

“The arrangement is expected to create a seamless pathway for young talents transitioning into the senior national team, while additional technical staff will support both teams whenever fixtures overlap.

“Our objective is to build now for 2030 by identifying and developing the next generation of players. We want Nigeria to perform strongly at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and qualify successfully for future international competitions.”