Africa’s leading sports betting and gaming brand, betPawa, has signed a sponsorship deal worth over ₦494m with the Nigeria National League (NNL), introducing a pioneering bonus system that directly rewards players for victories.
The new initiative, called the Locker Room Bonus, will see every player on a winning team receive ₦56,000 directly into their mobile money wallets within minutes of the final whistle.
The NNL itself will also earn ₦400,000 for every match played each weekend.
NNL Chairman George Aluo alongside NFF President Ibrahim Gusau and Betpawa officials. Photo Credit: NNL/X
In addition, ₦81 million has been set aside for end-of-season awards to reward the best teams and outstanding players.
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.”
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NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, praised the partnership and underlined its potential to keep 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.”
NNL Chairman George Aluo also hailed the deal, commending the NFF for prioritising grassroots football. He pointed to the steady rise of NNL clubs, many of which have earned promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League in recent years.
Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Philip Shaibu, described the sponsorship as a morale booster.
“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.”
BetPawa said the project is part of its wider commitment to professionalise sports across Africa through innovative sponsorship models and corporate social responsibility.
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The company says its long-term vision is to support sustainable football growth by ensuring players and clubs benefit directly from commercial partnerships.
