<p>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.</p>
<p>The Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, stated this while addressing newsmen after a high-level strategic meeting of the commission and the Nigeria Football Federation on Tuesday at the National Sports Commission Headquarters in Abuja</p>
<p>Dikko, who also disclosed a series of landmark decisions aimed at strengthening Nigerian football, said the leadership of the NSC and NFF have reaffirmed their commitments to the development of Nigerian football.</p>
<p>He said that these decisions are aimed at improving the welfare of players and coaches, and enhancing the competitiveness of the NPFL.</p>
<p>“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.</p>
<p>“The runners-up will receive ₦500 million, while the third-placed team will earn ₦300 million, subject to official confirmation by league authorities,” he said .</p>
<p>Dikko described the new prize structure as part of broader efforts to improve the commercial value, professionalism, and competitiveness of the domestic league.</p>
<p>“I want to thank the NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau, and the General Secretary , Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, for a very productive engagement.</p>
<p>“The issues discussed today are fundamental to the growth and development of Nigerian football.</p>
<p>“Collectively, we share the same ambition and vision of moving Nigerian football forward and ensuring sustained success at every level,” he said.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>According to him, the NFF will finalise the necessary documentation, while welfare packages and performance-based benchmarks will also be introduced for the coach’s assistants.</p>
<p>“He said that the coach expressed satisfaction with the outcome of our discussions, and we are confident this will provide the necessary environment for success,” he added .</p>
<p>As part of long-term planning, we agreed that preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup must begin immediately.</p>
<p>“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.</p>
<p>“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.</p>
<li><a href="https://punchng.com/trump-to-attend-world-cup-final-present-trophy-infantino/?utm_source=auto-read-also&utm_medium=web" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Trump to attend World Cup final, present trophy — Infantino </a></li>
<li><a href="https://punchng.com/ronaldo-joins-top-10-all-time-wcup-goal-scorers-messi-mbappe-lead/?utm_source=auto-read-also&utm_medium=web" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Ronaldo joins top 10 all-time W’Cup goal scorers, Messi, Mbappe lead </a></li>
<p>“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,” he said .</p>
<p>The NSC and NFF also reviewed preparations for the Super Falcons ahead of the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).</p>
<p>The parties agreed on a framework to strengthen funding, improve player welfare, and support the team’s preparation programme.</p>
<p>The Super Falcons will commence camping in Nigeria before proceeding to Morocco for international friendly matches ahead of the continental championship.</p>
<p>Issues relating to players. welfare and remuneration were also addressed during the meeting.</p>
<p>The NSC, NFF, and NPFL leadership agreed that maximum club licensing requirements not merely minimum standards must be strictly enforced.</p>
<p>“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.</p>
<p>To support the reform process, the NSC and league authorities agreed on a substantial intervention package, with the ₦1 billion championship prize serving as a major incentive for compliance.</p>
<p>Director-General of the NSC , Bukola Olopade, praised the collaboration between football stakeholders and reiterated the commission’s commitment to sports development.</p>
<p>“ 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,” he said.</p>
<p>NFF President Ibrahim Gusau emphasised the importance of collaboration in achieving the federation’s objectives.</p>
<p>“With the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations coming up in July and AFCON qualification matches beginning in September, it is important for us to engage with the NSC leadership to discuss the way forward.</p>
<p>“Whatever we intend to achieve in Nigerian football requires collaboration, and today’s meeting was both timely and productive,” he said .</p>
<p>In a related development, stakeholders agreed to introduce a minimum wage of ₦2 million for NPFL players, a move aimed at improving player welfare, promoting professionalism, and strengthening the domestic football ecosystem.</p>
<p>The increased financial incentives and welfare reforms are expected to enhance competition among clubs while elevating the profile and commercial attractiveness of Nigerian football.</p>
<p>(NAN)</p>
<p>Tosin Oyediran is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over eight years of professional experience in reporting and storytelling. He is known for conducting incisive interviews and producing compelling human-angle stories that bring clarity and depth to the news. Tosin covers a broad range of beats including politics, health, advocacy, sports, and entertainment, with a strong focus on people-centred reporting. His work reflects firsthand newsroom experience, editorial insight, and a commitment to accurate, engaging, and trustworthy journalism.</p>
<p>All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.</p>
<p><a href="https://softbrite.com/l/pnchtxtnov2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <strong> UPDATE NEWS:</strong> As a Nigerian living in Nigeria or diaspora, you can now earn about ₦17- ₦25Million when you acquire premium domains for as low as $2500. You get paid in US Dollars. Ideal for Civil/public servants, Entrepreneurs, Accountants, Doctors, IT Experts and many others.
<p>Stay informed and ahead of the curve! Follow The Punch Newspaper on WhatsApp for real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive content. Don't miss a headline – join now!</p>
<p>Stay in the know—fast. Get instant alerts, breaking headlines, and exclusive stories with the <strong>Punch News App</strong>. <strong>Download now</strong> and never miss a beat.</p>
16 minutes ago
<h3><a href="https://punchng.com/dss-orders-probe-into-court-scuffle-after-sowores-remand-order/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> DSS orders probe into court scuffle after Sowore's remand order </a></h3>
42 minutes ago
<h3><a href="https://punchng.com/england-held-by-ghana-in-tense-0-0-world-cup-group-clash/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> England held by Ghana in tense 0-0 World Cup group clash </a></h3>
57 minutes ago
<h3><a href="https://punchng.com/grieving-deschamps-to-miss-frances-final-world-cup-group-game/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Grieving Deschamps to miss France's final World Cup group game </a></h3>
1 hour ago
<h3><a href="https://punchng.com/instagram-suffers-global-outage-users-report-login-server-errors/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Instagram suffers global outage, users report login, server errors </a></h3>
1 hour ago
<h3><a href="https://punchng.com/who-advocates-early-newborn-screening-to-reduce-disabilities/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> WHO advocates early newborn screening to reduce disabilities </a></h3>
<h3><a href="https://punchng.com/senate-adjourns-emergency-plenary-on-state-police-over-reps-death/?utm_source=top-story&utm_medium=web" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Senate adjourns emergency plenary on state police over Rep’s death </a></h3>
<figure>
<a href="https://punchng.com/breaking-tinubu-sends-state-police-amendment-bill-to-senate/?utm_source=top-story&utm_medium=web" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <img src="https://punchng.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/President-Bola-Tinubu-60x34.webp" alt="Tinubu sends state police amendment bill to Senate" loading="lazy" /> </a>
</figure>
<h3><a href="https://punchng.com/breaking-tinubu-sends-state-police-amendment-bill-to-senate/?utm_source=top-story&utm_medium=web" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Tinubu sends state police amendment bill to Senate </a></h3>
<figure>
<a href="https://punchng.com/wiretapping-el-rufai-to-file-no-case-submission-as-dss-closes-case/?utm_source=top-story&utm_medium=web" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <img src="https://punchng.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/El-Rufai-60x31.webp" alt="Wiretapping: El-Rufai to file no-case submission as DSS closes case" loading="lazy" /> </a>
</figure>
<h3><a href="https://punchng.com/wiretapping-el-rufai-to-file-no-case-submission-as-dss-closes-case/?utm_source=top-story&utm_medium=web" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Wiretapping: El-Rufai to file no-case submission as DSS closes case </a></h3>
<figure>
<a href="https://punchng.com/us-deports-nigerian-after-domestic-violence-other-convictions/?utm_source=top-story&utm_medium=web" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <img src="https://punchng.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-23-085547_1782201359-60x41.webp" alt="US deports Nigerian after domestic violence, other convictions" loading="lazy" /> </a>
</figure>
<h3><a href="https://punchng.com/us-deports-nigerian-after-domestic-violence-other-convictions/?utm_source=top-story&utm_medium=web" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> US deports Nigerian after domestic violence, other convictions </a></h3>
<h3><a href="https://punchng.com/three-nabbed-after-cleric-dies-in-ondo-hotel/?utm_source=top-story&utm_medium=web" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Three nabbed after cleric dies in Ondo hotel </a></h3>
<figure>
<a href="https://punchng.com/burnham-emerges-front-runner-for-uk-pm-as-starmer-resigns/?utm_source=top-story&utm_medium=web" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <img src="https://punchng.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AFP__20260622__B7VW9MF__v1__Mockup__BritainPolitics-60x36.webp" alt="Burnham emerges front-runner for UK PM as Starmer resigns" loading="lazy" /> </a>
</figure>
<h3><a href="https://punchng.com/burnham-emerges-front-runner-for-uk-pm-as-starmer-resigns/?utm_source=top-story&utm_medium=web" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Burnham emerges front-runner for UK PM as Starmer resigns </a></h3>
AI is set to end medical and cosmetic testing since accurate models can now predict drug toxicity, organ damage and chemical hazards that experiments could never do before. And it is an opportunity that Africa should embrace.
He said the federation now has sufficient qualified instructors to conduct CAF B coaching courses in states, zones and local government areas The post NFF to decentralise coaching education – Gusau appeared first on Premium Times Nigeria.
