The chairman of the Federal Capital Territory Football Association (FCT FA), Adam Mohammed, has commended the introduction of ₦1 billion in prize money for winners of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

The chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, on Tuesday announced a minimum of ₦1 billion prize for the champions of the 2026/2027 NPFL season.

Mr Dikko said the runners-up would receive ₦500 million, while the third-placed team would earn ₦300 million, subject to official confirmation by league authorities.

He explained that the new prize structure forms part of broader reforms aimed at improving professionalism, commercial value, player welfare, and competitiveness in Nigerian football.

Mr Mohammed described the initiative as a bold step towards repositioning domestic football and attracting greater investment into the league.

He said on Wednesday in Abuja that the announcement reflected growing commitment to football development in the country.

“Full credit goes to the NSC, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and the NPFL for making a statement that matches the scale of our football potential,” he said.

According to him, the ₦1 billion reward is more than prize money and should serve as a wake-up call for stakeholders to treat football as a serious business.

Mr Mohammed, “A massive incentive is welcome, but it should not be mistaken for a fully functional football system.”

He said that sustainable progress would depend on improved governance, commercial viability, quality infrastructure, and stronger fan engagement.

“If the league is not commercially viable, properly televised, safe for players, and trusted by fans, the prize money alone will not transform it,” he said.

Mr Mohammed stressed the need for clubs to operate on sustainable business models supported by predictable revenues and professional management structures.

“The real objective should be building clubs that no longer struggle for survival but compete confidently on and off the pitch,” he added.

He said improved facilities, youth academies, and transparent administration would help Nigerian clubs regain competitiveness in continental competitions.

According to him, Nigeria possesses the population, talent, passion, and corporate strength required to dominate African football.

“What we have often lacked is transparency, accountability, and commercial discipline. This announcement can be a turning point if implementation matches the ambition,” he said.

Mr Mohammed also called on corporate organisations to support football development through strategic investments and long-term partnerships.

“Banks, telecommunications firms, airlines, energy companies, media organisations, and manufacturers all have roles to play in football’s value chain,” he said.

He urged private sector operators to move beyond sponsorship and become active partners in building a sustainable football ecosystem.

He added, “Our ambition should not be limited to offering the biggest prize money in Africa. We should focus on building the continent’s most watched, most trusted, and most talent-producing league. That is the real trophy.”

(NAN)