Nigeria’s football authorities have approved sweeping reforms for the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season, dramatically increasing prize money and introducing mandatory minimum player salaries.
The changes, endorsed by the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), aim to professionalise the domestic league and improve its competitiveness.
League champions will now pocket ₦1 billion, a huge leap from the previous ₦150–200 million range. This positions the NPFL as Africa’s second-highest paying league after South Africa’s Betway Premiership.
Clubs have also been mandated to pay players a minimum monthly salary of ₦2 million.
In a bid to boost accessibility, NPFL matches will be broadcast live on a dedicated free-to-air channel via NigComSat and relayed across several state television stations, reaching millions of Nigerian fans.
Clubs must meet stricter licensing requirements, including the installation of standard floodlights, reliable backup power systems, and upgraded matchday facilities.
League officials further warned of tough sanctions, including points deductions, for clubs involved in crowd violence or security breaches.
The reforms are expected to elevate standards and attract greater investment into Nigerian club football.
