From Vision To Victory: Godwin Enakhena Shares Secrets Behind NNL 2025/2026 And Sporting Lagos’ Grand Dream

As the 2025/2026 Nigeria National League (NNL) season kicks off on Saturday, November 8, a new wave of transformation is sweeping through Nigeria’s second-tier football competition.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Backed by a ₦494 million sponsorship deal with betPawa, a fresh league structure, and strategic reforms, the NNL is gearing up for what could be its most organized and rewarding campaign yet.

In an exclusive interview with Naija News, Godwin Enakhena, chairman of Sporting Lagos and president of the NNL Club Owners Association, offered insights into what fans can expect this season.

“One of the key things the NNL management got right last season — and is maintaining — is adherence to timelines,” Enakhena explained.
“The league ended as scheduled, the Super 8 held in Asaba, and the Annual General Meeting (AGM) took place in Kaduna. Out of that meeting came the exciting partnership with betPawa, which will see players and officials earn direct financial rewards for every victory.”

₦494 Million BetPawa Deal to Reward Players and Clubs

At the heart of this renewed optimism is the ₦494 million partnership between betPawa and the NNL, introducing an incentive-based payment model.

Under the agreement, 20 players and three technical staff members from each winning team will receive ₦56,000 each directly to their mobile money wallets within minutes of the final whistle — amounting to ₦1.288 million per match per club.

In addition, ₦400,000 will be provided per game for league operations, while ₦8.1 million has been earmarked for end-of-season awards recognizing outstanding players and teams.

“This initiative will motivate players, improve professionalism, and help retain talent within the domestic league,” Enakhena said.

New Structure, New Rules

The NNL’s 16th AGM, held in Kaduna, ratified major structural changes, including the introduction of a four-conference format (A, B, C, D) — replacing the old Super 8 playoff system.

Each conference winner will now gain automatic promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), while the four promoted teams will contest a Super 4 tournament to determine the overall NNL champion.

Enakhena explained:

“This season, the four group winners will be promoted directly to the NPFL. The Super 4 will only decide the overall league champion. However, if any team fails to participate, it automatically forfeits its promotion spot to the second-placed side in that group.”

To boost visibility and accountability, all clubs are now mandated to livestream their home and away matches, in addition to official broadcast coverage.

“These are exciting reforms that will elevate the league’s standard,” Enakhena said, commending NNL Chairman Chief George Aluo and NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau for their leadership.

Club Owners Back the NNL Board

Representing the NNL Club Owners Association, Enakhena reaffirmed their collective support for the league management:

“As long as the board acts in the best interest of Nigerian football, we’ll continue to cooperate with them. It’s a mutually beneficial relationship.”

During the AGM, club owners passed a vote of confidence on the NNL board, applauding its progress and successful sponsorship drive.

The communique also confirmed new operational rules:

• Only NNL/Prostar-branded balls will be used.

• Clubs must insure players and officials.

• Stadiums must meet approved facility standards before hosting matches.

Sporting Lagos Eyes NPFL Return

For Sporting Lagos, the mission this season is clear — a return to top-flight football.

The club opens its campaign at home against Osun United at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan.

“We’re cooking something special,” Enakhena said with confidence.
“Our performance at the Gold Cup in Ogun State, which we won, shows what’s coming. We want to play in the NPFL next season — that’s where Sporting Lagos belongs.”

Now led by Jeffery Butler, who was promoted from assistant coach, Sporting Lagos looks set for another promising chapter.

“Butler knows the team and understands our philosophy,” Enakhena added. “We trust him to lead us back where we belong.”