The Nigeria National League (NNL) has secured a one-year sponsorship deal worth ₦494 million, introducing a new “Locker Room Bonus” system that rewards players instantly after every victory.
Under the scheme, each player will receive ₦56,000 directly into their mobile money wallets within minutes of the final whistle. Twenty registered players and three technical staff members per club will share a ₦1.288 million bonus for every win. The NNL will also receive ₦400,000 for every weekend fixture.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony in Abuja on Wednesday, Borah Omary Ndanyungu, Head of Local Marketing & CSR at BetPawa, said the initiative aims to change how Nigerian football treats players.
“We’re not just handing out cash, we’re building a system that lifts Nigerian football to the next level,” Ndanyungu explained. “This platform gives players the respect they deserve for every hard-fought victory — no delays, no drama.”
Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, praised the deal, describing it as a breakthrough for domestic football.
“One of my biggest concerns has been keeping our best players in the league. This is the way forward, and it will have a positive impact on the growth of the game in Nigeria,” Gusau said.
NNL Chairman, George Aluo, also welcomed the sponsorship, stressing its importance to grassroots football development. He noted that NNL clubs have been steadily progressing into the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), and the deal would further strengthen that pathway.
Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Philip Shaibu, described the agreement as a morale booster for athletes.
“This partnership will inspire players to give their best and will have a ricocheting effect on the league and the overall development of the game,” Shaibu said.
BetPawa, which operates in 17 African countries, is known for its low minimum stakes, instant payouts, and user-friendly platform. The company said the NNL partnership reflects its long-term vision of investing in African sports through sponsorships, infrastructure support, and CSR initiatives.
By tying sponsorship directly to player welfare and performance, the deal marks a shift in Nigerian football funding and is expected to improve professionalism across the league.
