Players in the Nigeria National League (NNL) will now receive direct financial rewards for victories following the official launch of betPawa’s Locker Room Bonus (LRB) in Nigeria.
Under the scheme, each victorious team will receive a total of ₦1.288 million per win, with instant payouts to players and technical staff.
Unveiled in Abuja on Wednesday, the initiative is the first of its kind in Nigerian football, guaranteeing payments within minutes after each victory.
NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, described the development as a strategic step toward retaining 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. Clubs must also ensure that the best players are selected for matches to maximize this opportunity,” he said.
Head of Local Marketing and CSR at betPawa, Borah Omary Ndanyungu, explained that the company, which operates in 17 African markets, uses an automated digital platform that tracks and verifies team line-ups.
Winning players each receive ₦56,000 directly into their mobile money wallets, covering 20 players and three technical staff per game. The NNL also earns ₦400,000 per win as a facilitator fee.
“We are not just handing out cash, we are building a system that lifts Nigerian football to the next level,” Ndanyungu said.
“Players get bonuses instantly after each win — no delays, no drama. It’s about giving them the respect they deserve for every hard-fought victory.”
NNL Chairman, George Aluo, linked the partnership to the league’s recent rebranding efforts. “In the last two years, we decided to rebrand the league, and we knew that without rebranding, we could not attract corporate sponsorship. The result is what we are seeing today,” he said.
Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Philip Shaibu, described the sponsorship as a morale booster that will inspire players and strengthen the league.
Beyond gaming, betPawa reiterated its commitment to supporting African sports through innovative sponsorship models and CSR initiatives, with a long-term goal of helping professionalize sports across the continent.
