By Samuel Akpan
A new era has arrived for Nigerian football as the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have joined forces to deliver a game-changing ₦1 billion prize for the NPFL champions.
To further strengthen the national team structure, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has received a contract extension and has been handed the reins of the Olympic Eagles.
Persecondnews correspondent who witnessed the historic event reports that the decision was locked in on Tuesday during a high-powered meeting at the NSC headquarters in Abuja, attended by crucial stakeholders – Shehu Dikko (NSC Chairman), Bukola Olopade (NSC Director-General), Ibrahim Gusau (NFF President), Mohammed Sanusi (NFF General Secretary), and Chelle himself.
Among the major decisions was the extension of Chelle’s contract as head coach of the senior national team, complete with an improved remuneration package.
The NSC also committed to paying the salaries of his assistant coaches, freeing Chelle from a financial obligation he had previously covered from his personal earnings.
The arrangement is expected to bring greater stability to the technical team as they prepare for future qualifiers and tournaments.
In a further development, Chelle will now also oversee the U23 Olympic Eagles.
The move aims to create consistency in playing style between the senior and youth teams while providing a clear development pathway for promising players.
The Olympic Eagles hold a special place in African football history as the first team from the continent to claim a complete set of Olympic medals — gold in Atlanta 1996, silver in Beijing 2008, and bronze in Rio 2016.
Officials believe his leadership can help return the side to prominence.
NSC DG Olopade hailed the reforms under the current leadership, saying: “The leadership of Mallam Shehu Dikko is a blessing to this country in sports. Whether people like it or not, we have changed the way sports is administered in Nigeria.
“This transformation is possible because of the Chairman’s humane and humble leadership style. For me, this is a rebirth of Nigerian football from the grassroots to the elite level. What we are witnessing is revolutionary.”
The meeting also turned its attention to the domestic game, where the NSC announced what it described as the most ambitious financial incentive package ever for the Nigeria Premier Football League.
The new rewards system, effective from the upcoming season, is intended to drive higher standards, attract investment, and improve club operations across the board.
League winners will now receive a historic ₦1 billion in prize money while runners-up are set to earn ₦800 million, and the third-place team will take home ₦700 million.
Clubs in other positions will also receive financial rewards according to their final league standing.
The initiative is projected to boost competitiveness, encourage private sector involvement, help keep talented players in the country, and elevate the overall quality of the competition.
Alongside the prize overhaul, the NSC pledged stricter enforcement of club licensing requirements, with a strong emphasis on player welfare.
The new policy sets a minimum monthly salary of ₦2 million for all NPFL players.
“Players must earn a living wage. This is how we build a league that commands respect at home and abroad,” Dikko said.
Plans are also advanced to bring the NPFL back to mainstream television broadcasts.
The move is expected to enhance the league’s visibility, foster stronger connections with fans, and create additional commercial opportunities for clubs, sponsors, and other stakeholders.
“Our players must be seen. Our league must be known. Television coverage is non-negotiable,” Dikko added.
The outcomes of the meeting point to a renewed spirit of cooperation between the NSC and the NFF.
With focus areas spanning national team stability, youth development, player welfare, and commercial expansion, the reforms are seen as the start of a transformative chapter for football in Nigeria.
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