Basira FC Make History as NNL/BetPawa Season Kicks Off with Exciting Opener
…Lafia Side Beat Mighty Jets 3-1 to Claim First Locker Room Bonus Award
The 2025/2026 Nigeria National League (NNL) season began in style on Saturday as Basira FC of Lafia defeated Mighty Jets of Jos 3-1 in the season-opening match to become the first team to win the NNL/BetPawa Locker Room Bonus Award.
Basira captain, Jubrin Kaura, led by example as his side produced a spirited performance in front of their home fans. Forward Abubakar Yusuf opened the scoring in the 6th minute, making his goal the first of the new season, before adding another in the 39th minute to secure a brace.
Peter Eneji extended Basira’s lead in the 46th minute to make it 3-0, before the visitors netted a late consolation.
At the final whistle, Kaura and his teammates, along with three technical staff members, received the honour of being the first beneficiaries of the new BetPawa Locker Room Bonus Award.
Under the initiative introduced by the NNL and its sponsor BetPawa, each of the 20 players and three technical staff from the winning team will receive ₦56,000 directly into their mobile accounts after every match.
Speaking after the game, Kaura expressed his delight and appreciation for the reward system.
“I have just received my winning bonus from the league sponsor BetPawa. I’m very happy and grateful. My teammates are also very happy. Before, our club owner used to pay our bonuses, but now this BetPawa Locker Room Bonus has covered that. It’s a great motivation,” said Kaura, who recently welcomed a baby girl with his wife in late October.
NNL Chairman, George Aluo, who attended the match at the Lafia Stadium alongside Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, and top dignitaries including NFF Secretary-General Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, praised the new season’s start and the success of the BetPawa partnership.
“What we witnessed in this opening match and the activation of the BetPawa Locker Room Bonus is very satisfying. The payments are real and fast. This motivates teams to play fairly and give their best,” Aluo said.
“We appreciate BetPawa for this partnership and hope to see more collaborations as we continue to make the NNL a model of excellence.”
MatchDay 1 of the 2025/2026 NNL season will continue on November 16 with the remaining fixtures across both conferences.
