MTN, which already sponsors the league in Cameroon as well as the FA Cup in Ghana, will pay the NPL a total of 2.6 billion naira (170 million dollars) over four years.

Sponsorship begins this season with a rights fee of 550 million naira and will be reviewed upwards by 10 percent for subsequent seasons.

The announcement followed a rigorous bid process by the NPL bid committee headed by vice-chairman Shehu Gusau.

The 20-team league kicked off this season without a sponsor after the previous title sponsorship was terminated.

Two-time African champions Enyimba are the defending NPL kings.