The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) is widely regarded as one of the most challenging leagues in the world, owing to the fierce competitiveness and the gruelling terrains that players must navigate to compete.
The difficulty of the league lies not only in the physical demands but also in the unpredictability of the competition, which sets it apart from leagues in other parts of the world.
For the past decade, the division has produced a different champion almost every season, highlighting the narrow margins that separate the majority of the teams.
Unlike in other leagues, where two or three teams dominate the title race year in, year out, the NPFL boasts a refreshing level of parity.
This constant shift in winners reflects the league’s balance, making it an exciting battleground where almost any team can mount a serious title challenge.
While the league is not without its challenges, including administrative inefficiencies, it remains a growing league.
With the right improvements, especially in management and governance, the Nigerian top flight has the potential to rise into the top five leagues on the African continent.
How much is the NPFL worth?
Determining the exact value of the NPFL is a complex task, primarily due to the fact that the majority of the clubs are government-owned, and official financial disclosures are often lacking.
However, an estimate can be derived by looking at various factors such as player valuations, ticket sales, salaries, sponsorship deals, and other financial variables.
Each team in the NPFL typically registers around 35 players, with an average salary of ₦380,000. Some clubs, like Rangers International, Remo Stars, and Kano Pillars, have secured sponsorship deals and structured match day ticketing systems.
By evaluating the transfer market value of players, match day revenues, and other factors, the NPFL’s overall worth is roughly estimated at ₦12 billion, which is approximately $15 million.
How much is the NPFL trophy worth?
According to the league organisers, the NPFL trophy does not carry a bespoke value, meaning no direct monetary value is attached to it.
However, research conducted by Afrik-Foot suggests that the market value of the trophy stands at approximately ₦120,000, which is around $80.
Prize money: How much do NPFL winners earn?
Prize money in the NPFL has fluctuated over the years, with no fixed amount guaranteed each season. During the era of the League Management Company (LMC), the prize money ranged from ₦50 million to ₦75 million. More recently, the prize money has increased.
For the 2023/24 season, Enyimba, the league champions, received ₦100 million. The previous season, Rangers International, who won the league, were awarded ₦150 million.
Looking ahead, the NPFL board has announced that the winner of the 2024/25 season will walk away with ₦200 million.
How much do NPFL players earn?
During the LMC era, a minimum wage of ₦150,000 per month was instituted for NPFL players, a figure that remains in effect today.
Based on research, the average salary in the league is between ₦380,000 and ₦420,000.
Top clubs such as Enyimba, Kano Pillars, Rivers United, Remo Stars, and Rangers offer salaries ranging from ₦600,000 to ₦800,000 for their most prominent players.
Who is the lowest paid player in the NPFL?
There is no comprehensive data on the lowest-paid players in the NPFL, but the league’s minimum wage of ₦150,000 is often allocated to youth players or those in the second team who do not receive significant playing time.
Some clubs even provide stipends of ₦50,000 to ₦80,000 to the families of schoolboy players registered in their squads.
Who is the highest paid player in the NPFL?
Kano Pillars captain Rabiu Ali is widely regarded as the highest-paid player in the NPFL, earning around ₦850,000 per month, with the potential to rise to ₦1 million based on performance-related bonuses.
Other players, such as Sikiru Alimi and Nyima Nwagua (who recently transferred to Saudi Arabia), are also among the league's top earners, though their exact wages have not been publicly disclosed.
Clubs like Plateau United, Akwa United, and Rivers United also pay their top players between ₦600,000 and ₦800,000 monthly.
Which club pays the highest bonuses?
Bonuses in the NPFL vary depending on performance, such as winning a match (whether home or away), goals scored, assists, and away draws.
Clubs like Akwa United, Plateau United, Remo Stars, and Enyimba offer the highest bonuses, typically ranging from ₦20,000 to ₦70,000, in addition to road allowances.
The NPFL is a growing league with immense potential. Despite the financial uncertainties and administrative challenges, the league continues to develop, providing a competitive platform for football in Nigeria.
With the right reforms, it could become a major force in African football.
