Sports

NNL Strikes Over ₦494M Sponsorship Deal With BetPawa to Transform League

Published

1 month ago

September 24, 2025

By Joel Ajayi

The Nigeria National League (NNL) has taken a decisive step toward revamping domestic football with the signing of a landmark one-year sponsorship deal worth over ₦494,456,709. million with Africa’s leading sports betting brand, BetPawa.

The partnership, unveiled Wednesday in Abuja under the theme “Investing in the Future of African Sports,” introduces a groundbreaking model that extends beyond traditional funding. At the core of the initiative is the innovative Locker Room Bonus — a reward system designed to directly benefit players after every victory while also boosting club and league revenues.

Under the scheme, 20 registered players and three technical staff per team will share a ₦1.288 million bonus per win, with each player receiving ₦56,000 instantly via a digital platform.

Additionally, the NNL will earn ₦400,000 per match played each weekend, creating a sustainable dual-impact system for both athletes and league administration.

The total package for the deal amounts to ₦494,456,709.

Explaining the innovation, BetPawa’s Head of Local Marketing & CSR, Borah Omary Ndanyungu, said:

“We’re not just handing out cash; we’re building a system that elevates Nigerian football. This platform ensures players are respected and rewarded for their hard work — with no delays, no drama.”

The deal has been widely praised across the football community. Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, hailed the initiative as a game-changer in retaining talent within the domestic league:

“One of my biggest concerns has been keeping our best players in the league. This is the way forward, and it will have a positive impact on the growth of the game in Nigeria.”

NNL Chairman, George Aluo, commended the NFF’s commitment to grassroots football, noting the steady progression of NNL clubs into the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

Also speaking, Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Philip Shaibu, described the deal as a major morale booster:

“This partnership will inspire players to give their best and will have a ricocheting effect on the league and the overall development of the game.”

BetPawa, trusted by millions across 17 African countries, is renowned for its ultra-low minimum stakes, instant payouts, and user-friendly interface. The brand continues to deepen its footprint in African sports, with the NNL partnership marking a bold statement of its commitment to driving football growth in Nigeria.

Beyond betting, BetPawa actively invests in the growth of African sports through sponsorships, infrastructure support, and CSR initiatives, aiming to raise professional standards and empower athletes at all levels.

BetPawa reiterated its broader vision of transforming African sports through innovative sponsorships and corporate social responsibility projects, with the ultimate goal of driving professionalism and sustainable growth across the continent.

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Sports

Thrills as 2026 National Hockey Super League Opens in Abuja — NHF President Promises Greater Innovation

Published

4 hours ago

November 1, 2025

The Gleamer

Cyril Ogar
The atmosphere was electric on Saturday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, as the 2026 National Hockey Super League officially kicked off in grand style.

The championship, which runs from November 1st to 9th, features 13 male and 8 female teams from across the country competing for supremacy in Nigeria’s top-tier hockey competition.

In the opening fixtures, Police Machine dominated IGP Flickers 9–1, Kada Stars overwhelmed Adamawa 13–0, Plateau edged Ekiti 1–0, while Niger Flickers crushed Team Katsina 10–0.

Speaking at the ceremony, President of the Nigeria Hockey Federation (NHF), Engr. Simon Nkom, expressed satisfaction with the smooth start, describing the league as a key milestone in the Federation’s renewed drive to strengthen grassroots hockey and promote national development of the sport.

“This is indeed a proud moment for us. We are here to witness a national event that we hold in very high esteem,” he said. “It’s a great way to end the year, return to our grassroots, and continue developing the game.”

Nkom, who also serves as an Executive Member of the African Hockey Federation Board, assured that the Federation will sustain its current momentum and introduce more innovations in 2027 to further elevate Nigerian hockey both locally and internationally.

“Our focus remains on building a strong foundation for our players and promoting discipline, teamwork, and fair play,” he added.

“Beyond monetary rewards, the experience gained here is invaluable. We will continue to recognize excellence through awards for Best Player, Best Goalkeeper, Youngest Player, and Most Disciplined Team.”

The Tournament Director, Mr. Falore Olajuyigbe, confirmed that the league will run for one week, ending on November 8th, with teams departing the following day. He praised the level of play and organization so far.

“The matches have been exciting and competitive. Attendance has been encouraging, and we’re confident that the quality of play will keep improving,” Olajuyigbe said.

He added that the tournament is benefitting from lessons learned during Nigeria’s participation in the African Club Championship in Ismailia, Egypt, noting that two Nigerian umpires who officiated at that continental event are also part of the officiating crew in Abuja.

As the 2026 National Hockey Super League unfolds, excitement continues to build among fans and players alike, with Abuja firmly at the center of Nigeria’s hockey action.

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