Despite failing to win the NPFL title and losing it to their rivals Enyimba, Rivers United emerged as the highest-earning club in the 2022-23 season.
Their remarkable performance in continental competitions propelled them to the top of the earnings chart, surpassing both Enyimba and other NPFL teams.
Despite finishing third in the NPFL Super Six play-offs, which secured their qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup, Rivers United’s fortunes turned in their favor in continental competitions.
Their impressive run as one of Nigeria’s representatives significantly contributed to their earnings, setting them apart from their NPFL counterparts.
The highlight of Rivers United’s season was their campaign in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Although they were eliminated in the quarterfinals by Young Africans of Tanzania, their journey earned them a substantial sum of N254 million.
Combining this achievement with their NPFL participating fee of N10 million, their total earnings for the 2022-23 season reached an impressive N264 million.
Enyimba, who won the NPFL title, secured the second-highest earnings in the league. Along with the N100 million prize money for winning the Nigerian league, their participation in the Dozy Mmobousi Super Cup as runners-up added another N30 million to their earnings.
Including their NPFL participating fee of N10 million, their total income amounted to N150 million.
Shooting Stars SC of Ibadan, despite not winning the NPFL title, showcased their strength by becoming champions in the Dozy Mmobousi Super Cup.
This victory earned them a substantial prize money of N100 million. With their NPFL participating fee of N10 million, their total income for the season reached N120 million.
Bendel Insurance secured the fourth position in terms of income among NPFL teams.
Their earnings were determined by their performance in the Tingo Federation Cup, where they received either N25 million or N10 million, depending on their position.
With a Dozy Mmobousi Cup participating fee of N10 million and an NPFL participating fee of N10 million, Bendel Insurance’s total earnings amounted to N45 million or N30 million, depending on their position in the Tingo Federation Cup.
Rivers United’s impressive total income of N264 million showcased their financial strength, surpassing Enyimba and other NPFL teams.
Their success serves as proof of the various revenue streams available in Nigerian football and highlights the importance of participating in continental competitions for financial gains.