The 2025/2026 Nigeria National League season kicks off amid transformative changes. With betPawa’s ₦494 million sponsorship and competition reforms, Nigeria’s second-tier football league aims for unprecedented professionalism.

betPawa’s Game-Changing Sponsorship

NNL Club Chairmen Association President Godwin Enakhena confirmed the landmark deal. Players and staff now receive instant rewards after victories. Winning teams get ₦1,288,000 distributed automatically post-match.

Twenty players and three technical staff per winning club collect ₦56,000 each. Payments arrive directly into mobile wallets shortly after full-time. Additional funds support league operations and season-end awards.

New Competition Structure

The league replaces Super 8 playoffs with four conferences (A-D). Group winners earn automatic NPFL promotion. These four teams then compete in a Super 4 tournament to crown champions.

Teams skipping the Super 4 forfeit promotion. Second-place sides then take their spots. All clubs must livestream home and away matches for global visibility.

Strict Operational Guidelines

Clubs must use official NNL/Prostar match balls. Player and official insurance becomes mandatory. Stadiums must meet league standards before hosting matches.

Enakhena praised NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau. He also commended NNL board chief George Aluo for league improvements.

Sporting Lagos’ Promotion Mission

Sporting Lagos begins their campaign against Osun United at Mobolaji Johnson Arena. Chairman Enakhena targets immediate NPFL return for the Lagos-based club.

Jeffery Butler leads the team as head coach. The former assistant understands the club’s philosophy well. Enakhena expressed confidence in Butler’s leadership.

The Gold Cup victory in Ogun State revealed Sporting Lagos’ potential. Their ultimate ambition remains clear: securing promotion to Nigeria’s top-flight league.