In a significant boost for Nigerian football, betPawa, Africa’s leading sports betting and gaming brand, has officially launched the Locker Room Bonus (LRB), an innovative sponsorship initiative that promises to transform the landscape for players in the nation’s second division, the Nigeria National League (NNL).
The landmark partnership deal with the NNL, unveiled in the presence of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim Gusau, NNL officials, betPawa leadership, club owners, media representatives, and other stakeholders, is valued at over N494 million for one year, directly rewards players for every victory.
Unlike traditional sponsorships that rarely benefit players, this initiative places athletes at the centre, utilising an automated digital platform to track and verify line-ups. Each winning player will receive an individual bonus of N56,000, contributing to a total Locker Room Bonus of N1,288,000 per win. Additionally, the league itself will earn N400,000 for every match played each weekend — a dual boost for both players and the NNL.
Borah Omary Ndanyungu, the head of local marketing & CSR at betPawa, expressed pride in launching this initiative in Nigeria, stating, “We’re not just handing out cash; we’re building a system that elevates Nigerian football. This platform ensures players receive timely payouts, and I’m proud to see it come to life here.”
NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau welcomed the initiative, underscoring its potential to retain talent in the domestic league. “One of my major concerns has been how to keep our best players in the league. This is the way forward, and it will positively impact the growth of the game in Nigeria,” he said.
NNL Chairman, George Aluo, also hailed the partnership and commended the NFF leadership for prioritising grassroots football. He acknowledged the impressive performances of NNL clubs, many of which have recently earned promotion to the NPFL.
“As the NFF President said, this initiative will reduce the migration of our players to foreign leagues, as they will be the primary beneficiaries. betPawa’s approach to rewarding players aligns with our commitment at the NNL to prioritize the needs of players who are the real actors. Without players and clubs, there would be no NNL.”
Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Philip Shaibu, described the deal as a morale booster for players. “This partnership will encourage players to perform at their best and will have a ripple effect on the league and the overall development of the game,” he said.
City FC of Abuja player, Uche Chidozie, who attended the initiative’s unveiling, expressed his enthusiasm, stating it would motivate players to excel. “As players, we are truly excited about this development because it provides real motivation and will enhance the competitiveness of the league,” he said.
Before arriving in Nigeria, betPawa’s Locker Room Bonus has already shown impressive results in several African countries, including Ghana, Uganda, Tanzania, and Cameroon, where it has significantly improved league win ratios and facilitated player inclusion.
Beyond gaming, betPawa reiterated its commitment to driving positive change in African sports through innovative sponsorship models and CSR projects. The company emphasises its long-term vision of professionalising sports across the continent.
