Nigerian football authorities have approved a series of major reforms aimed at strengthening the domestic league and national team structure, including a record ₦1 billion prize for Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions, improved player welfare measures, and an expanded coaching role for Super Eagles Head Coach Eric Chelle, Trybal News reports.
The decisions were reached at a strategic meeting in Abuja involving the National Sports Commission (NSC), the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and key football stakeholders, including NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko, NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, and Super Eagles Head Coach Eric Chelle.
The meeting focused on long-term development of Nigerian football, with emphasis on league competitiveness, technical continuity across national teams, and improved professional standards.
Chelle Secures Contract Extension and Takes on U-23 Role
Super Eagles Head Coach Eric Chelle has been offered a contract extension alongside an improved remuneration package.
Authorities also agreed that the salaries of his assistant coaches will now be centrally covered, easing financial responsibilities previously attached to the head coach’s contract.
In addition, Chelle has been appointed to oversee Nigeria’s U-23 national team, the Olympic Eagles, in a move aimed at improving continuity between youth and senior national team structures.
The Olympic Eagles remain one of Africa’s most successful Olympic football teams, having won gold in Atlanta 1996, silver in Beijing 2008, and bronze in Rio 2016.
Record ₦1 Billion Prize for NPFL Champions
The NPFL will introduce a significantly enhanced prize structure beginning next season, with champions set to receive ₦1 billion.
The second-placed team will earn ₦500 million, while third place will receive ₦300 million. Additional performance-based rewards will also be distributed to clubs across the table.
Officials say the new structure is intended to raise competitiveness within the league, improve financial stability for clubs, and attract greater private investment into domestic football.
Stricter Licensing Rules and Player Salary Benchmark
New club licensing regulations will also be enforced more rigorously across the NPFL, with a stronger focus on financial compliance and player welfare standards.
A minimum monthly salary of ₦2 million has been approved for NPFL players, aimed at improving welfare conditions and reducing the migration of top talents to foreign leagues under unfavourable terms.
The policy is expected to push clubs toward stronger financial planning and improved professionalism across the league structure.
Return of NPFL Television Coverage in Focus
Efforts are also underway to return the NPFL to mainstream television broadcasting, with discussions reportedly at an advanced stage.
The move is expected to improve visibility for clubs and players, strengthen fan engagement, and create additional commercial opportunities for the league.
Reform Agenda Targets Long-Term Stability
The package of decisions reflects a broader effort to improve coordination between national team management and domestic league structures, while strengthening youth development pathways and professional standards within Nigerian football.
Stakeholders say the reforms, if fully implemented, could significantly reshape the structure and commercial outlook of the game in the country.
