Sports

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

Published

2 weeks 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

Nigeria Jets Out Tuesday for 2025 Hockey AFCON as Federation President Engr Nkom Backs Teams for Podium Finish

Published

1 hour ago

October 5, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

With the 2025 Hockey African Cup of Nations (AFCON) set to take place in Egypt from October 11 to 18, both the men’s and women’s national hockey teams are set to depart Nigeria on October 7, brimming with confidence and determination to make the nation proud.

The President of the Hockey Federation of Nigeria (HFN), Engineer Simon Nkom, speaking after a series of friendly matches at the Hockey Pitch, Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, said the teams’ early preparation and intensive training camps have positioned them for a successful outing in Egypt.

“In sports—whether it’s hockey, handball, or basketball—fitness is key. That’s why we began camping weeks ago to build the players’ strength and resilience ahead of this major competition. This is the African Cup of Nations—the highest level of hockey on the continent. We’ve prepared well, and I’m confident our teams will finish on the podium,” he stated.

Nkom highlighted the significant progress Nigerian hockey has recorded in recent years, noting that the country’s world ranking improved from 56th to 36th, while in Hockey 5s, Nigeria now stands 12th globally.

“A few years ago, people barely knew hockey existed in Nigeria. Today, our women’s team ranks 3rd in Africa, and the men’s team is 4th. This growth is a product of deliberate grassroots development and consistent effort,” he added.

To ensure smooth participation and avoid past challenges of late arrivals at tournaments, the federation has finalized logistics for early departure.

“We’ve made all arrangements for the teams to leave early to acclimatize and play friendly matches before the competition begins. The players are motivated, relaxed, and ready to give their best. By God’s grace, they will return home with their heads held high,” Nkom assured.

The HFN President also lauded the federation’s board members for their commitment and teamwork over the past four years, which he said has greatly contributed to the sport’s steady rise in Nigeria.

Head coach Ndana Baba Abdullahi, who oversees both the men’s and women’s teams, praised the federation’s support and lauded the players’ work ethic throughout the extended training camp.

“We’ve worked very hard — morning and evening sessions, tactical drills, conditioning. The players have responded excellently. We started with 35 players and are now down to the final 18 who will make the trip,” Abdullahi said, adding that the early arrival in Egypt would give Nigeria a crucial psychological and tactical edge.

Men’s team captain, Michael John, expressed confidence in the squad’s readiness and determination to make history in Egypt.

“We’re perfectly fine — we’ve trained hard and prepared well,” he said. “We’re just waiting for the whistle to blow. By God’s grace, we won’t disappoint our country or those who worked hard to send us there.”

Similarly, women’s team captain, Alfa Cornelius, echoed optimism about the team’s prospects.

“We’ve been camping for over a month, and the coaches have done a wonderful job. We’ve worked hard to match our opponents in both strength and skill. I’m 100% confident that we’ll perform excellently in Egypt,” she said.

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