In a groundbreaking development for Nigerian football, betPawa, Africa’s premier sports betting and gaming company, has introduced the Locker Room Bonus (LRB), a pioneering sponsorship program set to revolutionize the experience for players competing in the Nigeria National League (NNL), the country’s second-tier football division.
This historic collaboration with the NNL was officially announced in a ceremony attended by key figures including Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim Gusau, NNL executives, betPawa representatives, club owners, media personnel, and other stakeholders. The partnership, valued at over ₦494 million for a one-year period, directly incentivizes players by rewarding them for each match victory.
Distinct from conventional sponsorship deals that seldom benefit individual athletes, this initiative centers on the players themselves. Utilizing an automated digital system to monitor and authenticate team line-ups, each victorious player is awarded a personal bonus of ₦56,000. This amounts to a total Locker Room Bonus payout of ₦1,288,000 per winning match. Moreover, the league receives ₦400,000 for every game played during the weekend, creating a dual advantage for both the players and the NNL organization.
Borah Omary Ndanyungu, betPawa’s head of local marketing and corporate social responsibility, expressed enthusiasm about the launch in Nigeria, stating, “Our goal extends beyond financial rewards; we are establishing a framework that uplifts Nigerian football. This platform guarantees prompt payments to players, and it’s inspiring to witness its implementation here.”
NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau praised the initiative, highlighting its role in retaining top talent within the domestic league. “A key challenge has been preventing our best players from leaving the country. This program offers a sustainable solution that will foster the growth of football in Nigeria,” he remarked.
George Aluo, Chairman of the NNL, also lauded the partnership and commended the NFF for its focus on grassroots football development. He noted the strong performances of NNL clubs, many of which have recently advanced to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
“As the NFF President emphasized, this program will curb the exodus of players to overseas leagues by directly benefiting them. betPawa’s player-centric reward system aligns perfectly with the NNL’s mission to prioritize the welfare of players, who are the backbone of the league. Without their dedication, the NNL would not exist,” Aluo stated.
Philip Shaibu, Director-General of the National Sports Commission, described the agreement as a significant morale enhancer for players. “This collaboration will inspire athletes to deliver peak performances and will positively influence the league’s quality and the broader development of football,” he commented.
Uche Chidozie, a player for City FC Abuja who was present at the launch, shared his excitement, saying the initiative would boost player motivation. “This development is a real source of encouragement for us and will raise the competitive standard of the league,” he affirmed.
Prior to its introduction in Nigeria, betPawa’s Locker Room Bonus has already yielded remarkable outcomes in several African nations such as Ghana, Uganda, Tanzania, and Cameroon, where it has enhanced winning rates and promoted greater player participation.
Beyond its gaming operations, betPawa remains dedicated to fostering positive transformation in African sports through innovative sponsorship strategies and corporate social responsibility initiatives. The company envisions a future where sports across the continent are more professional and sustainable.
