NSC, NFF Unveil Sweeping Football Reforms As Chelle Gets New Deal, NPFL Champions Set For ₦1bn Prize
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
Nigerian football is poised for a major transformation following sweeping reforms unveiled by the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), aimed at strengthening national teams and revitalising the domestic league.
At a high-level meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, the two bodies agreed to extend the contract of Super Eagles Head Coach Eric Chelle, improve his remuneration package, and assign him additional responsibility for the Olympic Eagles, Nigeria’s U-23 national team.
In a landmark move for domestic football, the NSC announced that winners of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) will receive a record ₦1 billion prize money from next season.
The runners-up will earn ₦500 million, while third place will attract ₦300 million.
The commission also approved a minimum monthly salary of ₦2 million for NPFL players and pledged stricter enforcement of club licensing regulations to improve player welfare and professionalism across the league.
NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko said the reforms are designed to build a competitive and commercially viable league capable of retaining top talents and attracting greater investment.
The commission further disclosed plans to return the NPFL to mainstream television, a move expected to boost visibility, fan engagement and commercial opportunities for clubs.
A statement signed by the Director Press, National Sports Commission, NSC, Dr. (Mrs.) Kehinde Ajayi, described the decisions as the beginning of a new era for Nigerian football, anchored on national team stability, youth development, improved player welfare and long-term sustainability.
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