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

“ This Award Gives Me Hope” Makanjuola Nureni Honoured for His Dedication to Nigerian Sports

Published

2 hours ago

November 1, 2025

The Gleamer

Abuja-based football administrator and philanthropist, Makanjuola Nureni, has been honoured with the Distinguished Service Award by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) in recognition of his outstanding support to sports journalism and his immense contributions to sports development in Nigeria.

The prestigious award was presented on Friday in Abuja during SWAN’s Diamond Jubilee Celebration held in Abuja, marking 60 years of promoting sports journalism and excellence across the nation.

Expressing his gratitude after receiving the honour, Makanjuola Nureni described the award as a source of inspiration and renewed motivation to continue his lifelong commitment to youth and grassroots sports.

“This award gives me hope and motivation to do more. It’s a source of inspiration to me and my supporters, and I believe it will encourage us to invest more in youth sports development in Nigeria,” he said.

He added that the recognition serves as a morale booster after decades of hard work and silent impact in the sports community.

“I feel happy and fulfilled because we have been doing this for decades, and many times, our efforts went unnoticed. But I thank God that SWAN recognized people like us,” Nureni expressed.

Makanjuola Nureni is the founder and owner of Water FC Academy, a renowned football institution based in Abuja that focuses on discovering, nurturing, and empowering young Nigerian talents.

Through Water FC, he has developed and sponsored numerous players who have gone on to represent Nigeria’s national teams and play professionally in clubs across Africa, Europe, and beyond.

His consistency, passion, and investment in the development of young athletes have made him a key figure in Nigerian grassroots football.

In presenting the award, SWAN commended Nureni’s unwavering dedication to the growth of sports and his continuous support for sports journalism and youth empowerment.

The association highlighted his decades-long service to football development and described him as a true partner in the promotion of excellence within Nigerian sports.

The SWAN Diamond Jubilee Celebration brought together prominent figures from sports administration, the media, and government sectors to honour individuals and organizations whose contributions have advanced sports development and journalism in Nigeria.

Nureni’s recognition stands out as a testament to his vision, consistency, and commitment to creating opportunities for young athletes and strengthening the foundation of Nigerian football.

With this honour, Makanjuola Nureni further cements his legacy as one of the foremost private contributors to sports growth and youth development in Nigeria.

His story continues to inspire a new generation of sports administrators and philanthropists dedicated to transforming Nigerian sports from the grassroots up.

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