NSC- NFF Approve ₦2 Million Minimum Salary for NPFL Players, Unveils Major Football Reforms

The National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have announced a series of sweeping reforms aimed at transforming Nigerian football, including the approval of a ₦2 million minimum monthly salary for players in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

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The landmark decisions were reached during a high-level strategic meeting held on Tuesday at the NSC headquarters in Abuja.

Present at the meeting were NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko, Director-General Hon. Bukola Olopade, NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, and Super Eagles Head Coach Eric Sékou Chelle.

NSC Extends Chelle’s Contract

One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the extension of Eric Chelle’s contract as Super Eagles head coach, alongside an improved remuneration package, but no figure was mentioned.

The NSC also agreed to take over the payment of salaries for Chelle’s assistant coaches, a financial responsibility the Malian tactician had reportedly been handling from his own earnings.

Officials believe the move will provide greater stability for the technical crew as Nigeria prepares for crucial international competitions and qualification campaigns.

Chelle to Lead Olympic Eagles

In a major restructuring move, Chelle has also been handed the responsibility of managing Nigeria’s U-23 national team, the Olympic Eagles.

The decision is aimed at creating a seamless football development pathway and ensuring a unified playing philosophy between the senior national team and the Olympic side.

The Olympic Eagles remain one of Africa’s most successful football teams at the Olympic Games, having won gold at Atlanta 1996, silver at Beijing 2008, and bronze at Rio 2016.

₦1 Billion Prize Money for NPFL Champions

Attention also focused on the domestic league, where the NSC unveiled what it described as the most ambitious financial incentive package in NPFL history.

Beginning from the 2026/27 season, the NPFL champions will receive a record ₦1 billion prize money.

The runners-up will earn ₦800 million, while the third-placed club will receive ₦700 million.

Additional financial rewards will be distributed across the league table, ensuring all participating clubs benefit from the enhanced revenue structure.

Officials believe the unprecedented prize package will boost competition, attract investment, improve club management, retain local talents, and raise the overall standard of the league.

₦2 Million Minimum Salary for NPFL Players

As part of stricter club licensing regulations, the NSC approved a minimum monthly salary of ₦2 million for NPFL players.

The policy is designed to improve player welfare, reduce the exodus of talented footballers seeking better opportunities abroad, and make the domestic league more competitive.

“Players must earn a living wage. This is how we build a league that commands respect at home and abroad,” NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko stated.

NPFL Set for Television Return

The Commission also revealed that plans are at an advanced stage to return the NPFL to mainstream television.

According to Dikko, increased broadcast coverage will enhance the visibility of the league, strengthen fan engagement, and unlock new commercial opportunities for clubs, sponsors, and stakeholders.

“Our players must be seen. Our league must be known. Television coverage is non-negotiable,” he said.

A New Era for Nigerian Football

Speaking during the meeting, NSC Director-General Hon. Bukola Olopade described the ongoing reforms as a turning point for Nigerian sports administration.

“The leadership of Mallam Shehu Dikko is a blessing to this country in sports. Whether people like it or not, we have changed the way sports is administered in Nigeria.

This transformation is possible because of the Chairman’s humane and humble leadership style.”

” For me, this is a rebirth of Nigerian football from the grassroots to the elite level. What we are witnessing is revolutionary,” Olopade said.

The resolutions reached at the meeting signal a renewed partnership between the NSC and the NFF, focused on national team stability, youth development, player welfare, commercial growth, and the long-term sustainability of Nigerian football.