NNL players to earn N56,000 per win under multi-naira sponsorship deal
Players in the Nigeria National League (NNL) will now enjoy direct financial rewards for their performances on the pitch, following a new sponsorship agreement with Africa’s sports gaming brand, BetPawa. Under the initiative, known as the Locker Room Bonus, every player in a winning team will receive ₦56,000 paid directly into their mobile money wallets […]
Players in the Nigeria National League (NNL) will now enjoy direct financial rewards for their performances on the pitch, following a new sponsorship agreement with Africa’s sports gaming brand, BetPawa.
Under the initiative, known as the Locker Room Bonus, every player in a winning team will receive ₦56,000 paid directly into their mobile money wallets within minutes of the final whistle.
The system is powered by an automated digital platform that verifies line-ups and processes payments immediately, ensuring athletes are rewarded without delay.
The arrangement marks a major shift in Nigerian football sponsorship, where funds rarely reach players directly. In addition to the individual bonuses, the NNL itself will earn ₦400,000 for every match played each weekend, offering a dual benefit for both the league and its athletes.
The one-year partnership, worth over ₦494,456,709, has been described as a first-of-its-kind move that puts players at the centre of football financing in Nigeria.
Explaining the innovation, Borah Omary Ndanyungu, Head of Local Marketing & CSR at BetPawa, said:
“We’re not just handing out cash, we’re building a system that lifts Nigerian football to the next level. This platform gives players the respect they deserve for every hard-fought victory — no delays, no drama.”
NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, welcomed the initiative, stressing its potential to retain talent in the domestic league.
“One of my major concerns has been how to keep our best players in the league. This is the way forward, and it will reflect positively on the growth of the game in Nigeria,” he said.