The winners of the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season are set to receive a minimum prize money of ₦1 billion, representing a fivefold increase from the ₦200 million awarded in previous campaigns.
According to NAN, the announcement was made on Tuesday in Abuja by Shehu Dikko, chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC).
Dikko disclosed the development following a meeting with senior officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), where top officials 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 revised reward structure forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the commercial appeal of the league, improve professionalism, and enhance competitiveness across clubs.
“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 NSC, NFF and NPFL leadership also reached a consensus that club licensing regulations should be enforced at the highest standards, rather than merely ensuring compliance with minimum requirements.
The NPFL has witnessed a steady increase in prize money in recent years as administrators seek to make the domestic league more attractive to investors, sponsors and players. The latest proposal marks the most significant financial commitment in the competition’s history.
Enugu Rangers emerged champions of the 2025/26 NPFL season, while the start date for the next campaign has yet to be officially announced.
