In a landmark ceremony at the Fraser Suites on Friday, December 19, 2025, the Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) secured its most significant private-sector partnership to date, a transformative 10-year investment agreement worth N20 billion with Toptier Sports Management.
The deal marks a pivotal shift from ad-hoc funding to a structured, long-term vision aimed at professionalizing the league and establishing it as a premier destination for women’s football in Africa.
The agreement initiates with a robust five-year, N1 billion annual commitment from Toptier, featuring a guaranteed 15% year-on-year increase. This substantial capital injection is strategically allocated, with N200 million dedicated to core league administration and a dominant N800 million annually focused on branding, marketing, and commercial development.
This funding model is designed to build a sustainable commercial ecosystem, moving beyond mere survival to active growth and market creation.
Speaking at the signing, Toptier CEO Chichi Nwoko framed the investment as a foundational commitment to systemic change. “This is a long-term investment in structure, people, and possibilities,” Nwoko stated.
“If women’s football in Nigeria is to truly compete globally, it must be built deliberately, funded properly, and managed professionally. That is what this commitment represents.”
The partnership received strong endorsements from Nigeria’s top sports authorities, signaling a unified approach to development. Hon. Bukola Olopade, Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), highlighted the deal as validation of recent reforms.
“This partnership is a clear vote of confidence… We are intentional about creating an environment where credible private investors can partner with government to build sustainable leagues, protect athlete welfare, and grow the sports economy,” Olopade said.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), represented by Secretary General Dr. Sanusi Mohammed, emphasised the deal’s role in strengthening the entire football pyramid.
“This collaboration improves player welfare, enhances club operations, and creates clear development pathways, particularly for women and emerging talents,” Dr. Mohammed conveyed on behalf of NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau.
For the NWFL leadership, the agreement unlocks a new horizon of strategic planning and growth. NWFL Chief Operating Officer Modupe Shabi described it as a defining moment, enabling the league to “plan sustainably, strengthen governance structures, and deliberately grow the league’s commercial value.” She detailed the expected impact: “The dedicated focus on branding and marketing will significantly enhance visibility, attract new partners, improve broadcast value, and create stronger economic opportunities for our clubs and players.”
