By Babatunde Nurudeen
History was made in Nigeria’s capital city of Abuja on Friday 19th December, 2025 as the Nigeria Women’s Football League NWFL and the Nigeria National League NNL signed a mouth-watering ₦40 billion investment in Nigerian football deal with Toptier Sports Management (TSM) .
Speaking at the event, CEO of TSM , (Mrs.) Chichi Nwoko said the sum of ₦200 million will be made available annually to both League organizers, summing-up to ₦400 million a year while the sum total disbursement of ₦4 billion over the sponsorship period will be allocated to Referees indemnity, media publicity, marketing, etc.
Nwoko said the goal of the 10 Years investment plan which translates to a decade of sponsorship is to build and empower a financial base for the NNL and NWFL and also create visibility and commercial viability for both leagues.
Nwoko further revealed that apart from direct funding to the leagues, TSM plans to invest approximately ₦1 billion annually in the project.
According to her from this amount, ₦800 million will be dedicated to broadcast production, an initiative aimed at creating more opportunities for the private-sector investment, improve league discipline, accessibility and ensure timely payment of referees’ indemnities and other operational obligations.
Also speaking at the occasion NNL Chairman Mr. George Aluo expressed a heartfelt gratitude to TSM founder Chichi Nwoko and the Director General , National Sports Commission, (Hon.) Bukola Olopade, describing them as team players and goal-getters .
In his words: “This huge contract is timely and coming at a critical moment when both leagues are in urgent need of financial backing to grow and become more stable.
Modupe Shabi, Chief Operating Officer of the NWFL, lending a voice at the event appreciated the deal, saying it is a huge motivation and morale booster that will help Women’s Football development in Nigeria.
Shabi assured that the Money will be meticulously used to promote the league to enviable heights.
Representing the President of the Nigerian Football Federation NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, the General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusu , expressed satisfaction with the initiative while assuring the commitment of the NFF to the course.
In Sanusi’s words “whatever support needed to improve will definitely be given by the mother-body; Nigeria Football Federation.
The landmark contract signing event had in attendance the Director General, National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, General Secretary, Nigerian Football Federation, Muhammed Sanusi,the Chairman, NNL , George Aluo, members of the media community and football stakeholders.
