Chairman of the NPFL Interim Management Committee (IMC), Hon Gbenga Elegbeleye, says the league expects an expansion of its financial rewards bracket as they expect more sponsors.
In its current form, the league is a winner-takes-all as Enyimba won the league and a prize of N100m.
“Obviously, there is a need to have an inclusive financial reward system to also have clubs benefit based on their positions on the log at the end of the season also to support them in players recruitment and facility upgrade.”
Enyimba ₦100m: IMC Breakdown League Prize Money
Recruitment of players and development of club infrastructure is a key component of the ₦100m prize won by Enyimba International as Champions of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) 2022/23 season.
Chairman of the NPFL Interim Management Committee (IMC), Hon Gbenga Elegbeleye, provides insight during a meeting with the NPFL Clubs Chairmen in Lagos on Monday.
Elegbeleye reveals that some portion of the prize money, which the club will get within the week, will go into strengthening the club to compete favorably on the continent and meet infrastructural conditions set by Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) for hosting the CAF Champions League.
“Let me again congratulate Enyimba International for emerging the champions, but it has to be stated that in line with the developmental trajectories of the IMC and our investment partners, GTI, there is a portion of the money tied to certain projects.
“Of the ₦100m, the club must spend a minimum of ₦25m on quality players recruitment to strengthen their squad and be able to represent the country well in the CAF Champions League next season.
“We have seen how deep the squads of clubs from the North African countries are. They recruit some of the best in their country and outside hence their strong showing on the continent. It is the reason we have ensured that a reasonable amount is provided as prize money”, the IMC Chairman explained.”
Eye On Quality Representation On The Continent.
Continuing, he noted that the league body is intent on getting clubs to upgrade their facilities so as to meet hosting requirements for CAF Champions League.
“Another ₦25m of the prize money must be spent by the club on upgrading facilities in the stadium identified to fall short of acceptable standards. The remaining ₦50m is at the disposal of the Club to spend as it considers appropriate.
“It is not that the IMC will have anything to do with the actual spending nor determine for the club who executes the project but simply stating the guidelines on the allocation of portions of the prize money.”
Meanwhile, Enyimba edged Remo Stars and Rivers United to the league title on goals difference.
All three were on nine points at the completion of games of the Championship Play-off in Lagos on Sunday. It was the ninth title win for the twice African Champions.