NSC Sets N2m Minimum Salary for NPFL Players

The Nigeria Sports Commission (NSC) has announced a new minimum monthly salary of N2 million for players in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), a significant increase from the previous minimum wage of N150,000. This decision is part of a broader reform aimed at curbing the exodus of talent to clubs abroad and strengthening the domestic league's competitiveness.

Stakeholders have expressed mixed reactions, with concerns raised about the ability of club owners to meet the new wage structure. Barrister Christoph Green, a former board member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and chairman of River State Sports Commission, stated that clubs may struggle to pay players N2 million monthly without external support.

He emphasized that the NSC should provide financial backing to clubs. In contrast, former NPFL player Albert Hillari supported the reform, believing it would help retain talent and improve the league's standard.

The NSC is also pushing for a prize money increase for the league, with plans for N1 billion for the next season's champion.