By Aderonke Ojo
BetPawa launches first initiative to support the Nigeria National League, offering a bonus of N56,400 Locker Room Bonus to matchday squad players and technical staff.
The official unveiling ceremony of the Nigeria National League Locker Room Sponsor held on Wednesday in Abuja.
The Nigeria National League secured a landmark partnership with sports betting company BetPawa, worth ₦494,456,709 aimed at transforming the nation’s second-tier football league in the country.
The partnership involves a substantial financial commitment to support the Nigeria National League (NNL) potentially enhancing the league’s operations and competitiveness.
According to Borah Omary Ndanyungu, Head of Local Marketing & CSR at betPawa, this initiative aims to develop sports in Nigeria, professionalize the league, and boost player confidence.
“ BetPawa has been operating in Nigeria for over three years and has similar initiatives in other markets, including Ghana, Cameroon, Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda.
“ BetPawa’s Locker Room Bonus initiative rewards players with instant cash bonuses after winning matches, aiming to motivate athletes and professionalize sports in Africa.
“ The company believes the bonus will motivate players, contributing to the growth of grassroots sports ,” she said.
Ndanyungu said the players must be part of the matchday squad and have their mobile money details registered with BetPawa.
She said that winners will receive their bonuses directly into their mobile wallets immediately after the match.
“ The initiative has already been implemented in countries like Ghana, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Malawi, with plans to expand further.
“ In Ghana, for instance, the Locker Room Bonus has been a game-changer, with players in the Ghana Premier League receiving ₵400 (approximately ₦56,400) each for winning matches.
“This bonus is part of the company’s efforts to recognize and reward athletes hard work and dedication,” she said.
She noted that the digital platform used for payments ensures fairness and accuracy in bonus distribution.
She said the initiative is to support the Nigeria National League as a corporate social responsibility (CSR) effort, not a business-driven venture.
“ The company isn’t planning to include the Nigerian National League on its betting platform, so there’s no direct business benefit.
“ Instead, this initiative is part of BetPawa’s strategic effort to invest in African sports development, particularly in supporting young athletes,” she said.
Ndanyungu explains, similar initiatives have been successful in Ghana for three years, with 60% of the investment going directly to players and 40% supporting local rights-bearing partners (LRB).
This approach demonstrates BetPawa’s commitment to fostering sports growth in Africa, prioritizing the development of young talent over potential financial gains.
She commended the Nigeria National League leadership for upholding transparency and accountability, stating that this will help build a stronger and more credible football system in Nigeria.
“This partnership is expected to further boost the morale of clubs and ensure sustainable development in the league,” she said.