The PUNCH reports that the prize money for the winner of the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has been increased to N200 million, marking a 33.3 percent rise from last season’s N150 million.
The announcement was made by the NPFL board chairman, Gbenga Elegbeleye, after the Annual General Meeting of the board and club owners on Tuesday in Abuja. During the meeting, the clubs also agreed on the proposed kick-off date of August 31 for the new season and confirmed a 38-game format.
The fixtures for match-day one were released, with reigning champions Enugu Rangers set to face President Federation Cup champions El-Kanemi Warriors in the season opener on Saturday, August 31.
Elegbeleye highlighted the increase in prize money: “When we came on board, we found that the prize money for the league winner was N50 million, which they never received. We promised to increase it and paid N100 million in our first season and N150 million last season,” he said.
“Next season, the winner will receive N200 million, and we will also award N1 million each to the best player and coach to encourage them.
“We want to rejuvenate Nigeria’s football system, instill confidence in the league, and inject more money so that players won’t have to seek clubs in smaller countries. We want our best players to stay here, be well-compensated, and increase the number of Super Eagles players from the league,” he added.
Enugu Rangers coach Fidelis Ilechukwu was honored as the coach of the season by the NPFL board.
Following the season’s opener in Enugu on August 31, the remaining match-day one fixtures will be played the following weekend. These fixtures include last season’s runners-up Remo Stars traveling to Abia Warriors, Lobi Stars hosting Akwa United, Bendel Insurance facing Rivers United, and Sunshine Stars welcoming Bayelsa United.
Newly promoted Ikorodu City will start their NPFL journey with an away game against Kano Pillars, while Beyond Limits will debut in the top-flight at home against nine-time champions Enyimba. Nasarawa United will mark their return to the league with a match against Shooting Stars in Lafia.
Other fixtures include Kwara United hosting Niger Tornadoes in a North-Central derby, and Plateau United playing against Katsina United at the New Jos Stadium, where Enugu Rangers were crowned champions last season.
