In a game-changing development for Nigerian football, the Nigeria National League (NNL) has secured a landmark ₦500 million sponsorship deal with Africa’s leading sports betting and gaming brand, betPawa. The one-year partnership introduces the Locker Room Bonus — a first-of-its-kind initiative that pays players directly for every match won.

 

Unlike traditional sports sponsorships, which often fail to benefit athletes directly, the betPawa deal puts players at the heart of the reward system. Through a newly introduced digital platform, matchday squads are automatically tracked and verified. Once the final whistle blows, each player on the winning team will receive ₦56,000 straight into their mobile money wallet — within minutes.

 

In addition to player bonuses, the NNL itself stands to benefit financially, with ₦400,000 paid per match played across each weekend. This dual-pronged approach provides a direct incentive for both the league’s sustainability and the motivation of its athletes.

 

Speaking at the announcement, Borah Omary Ndanyungu, Head of Local Marketing & CSR at betPawa, emphasized the deeper purpose behind the initiative:

 

“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.”

 

The deal has already earned praise from top football stakeholders. NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, described the initiative as a “bold step” in strengthening the domestic game.

 

“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 stated.

 

Echoing that sentiment, NNL Chairman, George Aluo, hailed the agreement as a milestone for grassroots football, lauding the NFF’s commitment to developing the game from the ground up.

 

“We’ve seen NNL clubs perform excellently and gain promotion to the NPFL in recent seasons. This kind of support will only accelerate that momentum,” Aluo said.

 

Philip Shaibu, Director-General of the National Institute for Sports, called the deal a “morale booster” for players and a turning point for domestic football.

 

“This partnership will ginger the players to give their best and have a ricocheting effect on the league and the overall development of the game,” he remarked.

 

Beyond the immediate financial injection, betPawa reaffirmed its commitment to transforming African sports through sustainable sponsorship and community-focused CSR projects. The company’s long-term goal, it says, is to professionalize sports across the continent — starting with tangible support for the athletes who bring the game to life.

 

With the 2025/2026 NNL season kicking off soon, all eyes will be on how this bold new model shapes the future of Nigerian football.