Former Super Eagles midfielder Edema Fuludu has welcomed the decision to increase the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions’ prize to ₦1 billion, describing it as a significant milestone for Nigerian football. However, he insists that the financial boost alone will not transform the domestic game without stronger governance, accountability and institutional reforms.
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The landmark increase, announced ahead of the new NPFL season, represents the biggest champions’ prize in the history of Nigerian club football and has been widely applauded as a major step towards making the league more competitive and financially attractive.
Reacting to the development, Fuludu said the enhanced reward should serve as a powerful incentive for clubs to improve their squads, invest in quality players and raise the overall standard of competition.
«”The increase in prize money is a welcome development. It should motivate clubs to recruit quality players and invest more in building stronger teams,” Fuludu said.»
Despite welcoming the initiative, the former Nigeria international stressed that meaningful progress will only come if increased funding is matched by structural reforms across the league.
He called for the prompt payment of referees, match commissioners and other match-day officials, arguing that financial security for those responsible for administering games is essential to maintaining professionalism, credibility and integrity within the competition.
«”It’s not just about rewarding the champions. Referees, match commissioners and everyone involved in running the league must also be paid promptly so they can perform their duties effectively,” he added.»
Fuludu also urged league administrators to strengthen oversight mechanisms and tackle corruption head-on, insisting that transparency and accountability must remain at the heart of the NPFL’s long-term development.
According to him, only sound governance will ensure that the increased investment translates into measurable improvements both on and off the pitch.
«”There has to be proper monitoring and accountability. If we eliminate corruption and improve transparency, the standard of the league will naturally rise,” he said.»
The former Warri Wolves administrator believes the record prize money sends a clear signal about the league’s growing ambition, but cautioned that sustainable success will ultimately depend on how effectively administrators manage the competition and its resources.
With Nigerian clubs eager to become more competitive on the continental stage, Fuludu sees the financial boost as a rare opportunity to reposition the NPFL and restore confidence in the domestic game.
