NNL Lands Over ₦494m Sponsorship Deal with betPawa

By Arinzechi Chukwunonso

The Nigeria National League (NNL) has secured a groundbreaking one-year sponsorship package valued at more than ₦494 million from Africa’s leading betting and gaming company, betPawa — a partnership designed not just to strengthen the league, but to directly empower its players.

At the heart of the agreement is the revolutionary “Locker Room Bonus”, a digital reward system that guarantees instant cash incentives for players after every victory.

Unlike traditional sponsorships where benefits rarely filter down to athletes, this innovation ensures each player on a winning team receives ₦56,000 directly into their mobile money wallet within minutes of the final whistle.

The NNL itself also stands to benefit, with ₦400,000 allocated per fixture every weekend, creating a dual stream of support for both the league and its players.

Speaking on the initiative, Borah Omary Ndanyungu, betPawa’s Head of Local Marketing & CSR, emphasized that the model goes beyond financial incentives.

“We are creating a system that uplifts Nigerian football to new heights. It’s about giving players immediate recognition for their efforts — no bottlenecks, no excuses, just respect and reward for every hard-earned win,” he explained.

The deal has drawn high praise from football authorities. NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau, lauded the initiative, noting its potential to keep local talent within the domestic league.

“My biggest concern has always been retaining our top players at home. With innovations like this, the NNL will become more attractive, and this will accelerate the overall growth of our football,” Gusau stated.

NNL Chairman, George Aluo, also hailed the agreement, describing it as a milestone in grassroots development and applauding the NFF leadership for its foresight. He pointed out the league’s recent track record of producing clubs that have successfully gained promotion to the NPFL.

In the same vein, Philip Shaibu, Director-General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), described the sponsorship as a morale booster.

“This package will inspire players to give their all, and its ripple effect will be felt across the league and Nigerian football as a whole,” Shaibu remarked.

For betPawa, the deal is part of a wider strategy to invest in African sport through innovative sponsorship frameworks and corporate social responsibility. The company reiterated that its long-term vision is to help professionalize sports across the continent, while providing sustainable opportunities for athletes.

With this landmark partnership, the NNL is poised to usher in a new era where players, clubs, and the league itself benefit directly from commercial deals — a model that could redefine the future of Nigerian football.