_NSC backs strict enforcement as N2.5bn prize money and N2m minimum wage loom for 2026/27 season_
The Nigeria Football Federation has issued a stern warning to all Nigeria Premier Football League clubs to fully comply with club licensing regulations ahead of the 2026/27 season. The federation declared that there will be strict enforcement of the rules, with zero tolerance for attempts to circumvent any provision.
The warning was contained in a communiqué issued after the NFF Executive Committee meeting held in Asaba, Delta State, last weekend. The federation welcomed the National Sports Commission’s commitment to backing the implementation of the licensing framework. “The Executive Committee hailed the pronouncement by the National Sports Commission that it is ready to provide full support to the NFF for the strict enforcement of the club licensing regulations,” the communiqué read.
The renewed push comes amid sweeping reforms being driven by the NSC. NSC Chairman, Shehu Dikko, recently announced a record N2.5bn prize pool for the 2026/27 NPFL season. He also proposed raising the minimum salary for players from N150,000 to N2m as part of efforts to professionalize the league and retain talent at home.
NSC Director-General, Bukola Olopade, said the body is determined to overhaul Nigerian football through the topflight. “We are determined to reform the league. We are going to reform the league. With President Bola Tinubu and the private sector, the funding that we are enjoying now has never been in the history of Nigerian sports,” Olopade stated. He added that getting the league right is key to fixing the national teams and overall football administration.
Speaking on the proposed N2m minimum wage, Olopade said the reforms aim to make the domestic league more competitive and attractive. “We cannot continue to see our players leave Nigeria for leagues in countries like the Benin Republic and Vietnam to earn as little as 800 dollars. We must build a professional league that provides the right environment for players to develop and thrive,” he said.
The NPFL board has tentatively fixed August 27 to 29 for the commencement of the 2026/27 season. According to the approved football calendar, the campaign will run until May 28, 2027. Fixtures for the President Federation Cup are also included as organizers seek to maintain a more structured domestic football schedule.
With funding from the private sector and political backing from the Presidency, the NFF and NSC say this season will mark a turning point. Clubs that fail to meet licensing requirements in areas like finance, infrastructure, youth development, and administration risk sanctions. For the NPFL, the message is clear: professionalism is no longer optional.
