NPFL Champions To Pocket N40m

This was according to figures released by the LMC on Wednesday, which noted that the money could rise to N90m which includes merit awards paid to clubs from a total of N200m pool set aside as reward for final position on the league table at the end of the season on Sunday.

The top three Clubs on the final table usually received the chunk of the Merit Award which supports the clubs financially in their preparation for the CAF Club competitions the following season.

A statement from the LMC explained that “in addition to the direct payments clubs do also benefit from other indirect payments such as free registration of players and officials, free insurance, payment of match officials’ indemnities and hotel accommodation as well as sponsored seminars and other engagements funded by the LMC”.

Other incentives are the football development and bonus award which is paid to clubs based on performances including incentives for improved match attendance, away wins/ draws, fielding players under age of 18 and hosting live broadcast matches.

Last season, Enyimba Football Club of Aba received N30m from a total pool of N150m from the league body after winning a record seventh NPFL title.

The N200m figure this year represents an increase of 25%. The Merit Award pool has been witnessing an annual progression from N50m in 2012/13 to N75m in 2013/14 season and now N200m.

Rangers International of Enugu remain in pole position to win the big prize money. The Flying Elephants will need a point from Sunday’s home fixture to win a first title in 32- years with Rivers United of Port Harcourt breathing down their necks.