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On the Go with Nigeria’s Favourite Sports and Games

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Nigeria's Favourite Sports

Sport is hugely popular across Africa, and none more so than in Nigeria. Football is the most popular sport, as it is in the rest of the world, and Nigeria has produced many elite-level footballers and performed well at the FIFA World Cup.

But there are plenty of other sports that Nigerians love to play and watch, and with such a large and diverse population it’s no surprise. And like many other regions sports betting – a great way to add some more excitement into sport – is getting big in the country, with many options available such as the sports betting portal Betfromafrica.com. Let’s take a closer look at sports betting in Nigeria.

Sports betting in Nigeria

Online sports betting is soaring in popularity in Africa, and Nigeria is one of the biggest markets for mobile gambling. The National Lottery Regulatory Commission and the Lagos State Lottery Board were established to regulate online gambling (as well as sports betting, Nigerians enjoy the online casino experience) so the estimated 60 million people betting on sports can do so securely and safely. There are more than 40 betting sites within Nigeria offering odds on all kinds of sporting events, and as with bookmakers everywhere, there is a range of bets and types of bets to place with the most favourable conditions.

Popular sports in Nigeria

With a population that numbers over 211 million, Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, home to numerous ethnic groups with distinct cultures, so it’s inevitable that a wide variety of sports and pursuits are popular. Here are four examples of sports Nigerians are passionate about.

Football

Far and away the biggest sport in the country is football. Nigeria has its own Premier League, and many players have played in the big leagues of Europe. While the domestic league is very popular, many Nigerians enjoy watching and betting on the English Premier League, Bundesliga, La Liga and Serie A, amongst other major competitions and events.

Nigeria’s national football team, known as the “Super Eagles”, has made the World Cup on six occasions 1994, 1998, 2002, 2010, 2014, and 2018. The team won gold at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. Football is also played widely at an amateur level.

Basketball

Another popular sport is basketball. Again, the country has its own league – the NFP – It is contested by sixteen times divided into two conferences (Savannah and Atlantic). As with football, the NFP is popular but many fans and bettors enjoy NBA action and can place a wide range of bets at various odds to win some cash with wagers on the league.

Placing bets in Nigeria is easier and more fun than ever – many sites offer a welcome bonus for players and further promotions for making a deposit. Bet365 even have their own app which makes placing bets on the go even easier – you can also keep tabs on your potential winnings as well as special offers.

Dambe

Dambe is a martial art of the Hausa people, the largest ethnic group in Nigeria. Competitors in a typical match aim to subdue each other into total submission mostly within three rounds. The sport has become popular thanks to exposure on YouTube and efforts by Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development and is noted for its tough and brutal action.

Efforts to further popularise the sport were hampered by the recent pandemic, but it is still becoming a draw for spectators and bettors – many African bookmakers list the sport as an option.

Athletics

Track and field events are popular in Nigeria, and most schools offer training in many of these sports. The Olympics has given Nigerians some of the most exciting sporting moments, with Chioma Ajunwa taking gold in the long jump in Atlanta in 1996, and the men’s 4×400 meter relay team snatching gold in Sydney in 2000.

Although they were pipped to second by the Americans, the USA team was later disqualified moving Nigeria on to the top step of the podium. Many betting sites allow players to wager on athletic events, and some offer bonuses and promotions for their customers.

Sports betting in Nigeria has become a passion almost as big as the sport itself. And it’s no surprise, thanks to continually advancing tech with so many safe, secure and convenient places to play, Nigerian sports fans can rejoice.

Dipo Olowookere is a journalist based in Nigeria that has passion for reporting business news stories. At his leisure time, he watches football and supports 3SC of Ibadan. Mr Olowookere can be reached via [email protected]

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Easter Weekend Football Feast Takes Centre Stage on SuperSport

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Easter Weekend on SuperSport

The international break gives way to a packed Easter weekend of football across Europe, headlined by FA Cup quarter-final drama in England and high-stakes league action in Spain, Italy and France. With titles, European places and silverware all on the line, the margin for error is rapidly disappearing.

FA Cup: Heavyweights Collide in Quarter Finals

Saturday’s action is headlined by a blockbuster at 1:45 PM as Man City face Liverpool in a clash between two of England’s dominant forces. City arrive with momentum after their Carabao Cup triumph, while Liverpool will be eager to respond after a recent dip in form.

At 6:15 PM, Chelsea host Port Vale in a tie that carries enormous pressure for the Blues. Chelsea’s season has unravelled in recent weeks, while Port Vale continue to embrace their giant-killing run.

The quarter-finals continue at 8:00 PM as Southampton face Arsenal under the lights. Arsenal will be desperate to respond after their cup final disappointment, while Southampton will look to capitalise on home advantage.

Sunday rounds off the action at 5:30 PM with West Ham vs Leeds in an all-Premier League encounter, with both sides seeking momentum in an evenly matched contest.

 All FA matches air live on SS Premier League (DStv Ch. 203, GOtv Ch. 65).

La Liga: Title Race Intensifies, Madrid Derby Looms

Saturday begins at 3:15 PM with Real Madrid travelling to Mallorca, aiming to maintain pressure at the top. The headline fixture follows at 8:00 PM as Atletico Madrid host Barcelona in a crucial meeting that could shape both the title race and the battle for the top four.

Sunday’s action features Getafe vs Athletic Club at 1:00 PM and Valencia vs Celta Vigo at 3:15 PM, before Monday night sees Girona take on Villarreal at 8:00 PM, with Villarreal looking to protect their position in third.  La Liga matches air live on SS La Liga (DStv Ch. 204, GOtv Ch. 62).

Serie A: Pressure Mounts on Inter as Rivals Close In

Sunday night’s standout fixture comes at 7:45 PM as Inter host Roma, with the league leaders seeking to halt a dip in form.

Monday delivers a full schedule, beginning at 11:30 AM with Udinese vs Como, as the in-form visitors look to extend their remarkable run. Juventus face Genoa at 5:00 PM under mounting pressure, before Napoli host AC Milan at 7:45 PM in a decisive clash between Inter’s closest challengers.  Serie A fixtures will be shown on SS Africa 2 (DStv Ch. 208, GOtv Ch. 64).

Ligue 1: Title Chase Heats Up Across France

Friday night opens at 7:45 PM with PSG hosting Toulouse, as the leaders balance domestic priorities with looming European commitments.

Saturday’s headline fixture at 8:05 PM sees Lille take on Lens in a high-stakes northern derby with title implications.

Sunday features Angers vs Lyon at 2:00 PM, before Monaco host Marseille at 7:45 PM in a crucial encounter that could reshape the race for Champions League qualification.

Ligue 1 matches air on SS Football (DStv Ch. 205, GOtv Ch. 61), with selected fixtures on SS Africa 1 (DStv Ch. 207, GOtv Ch. 63).

Weekend Highlights

FA Cup

  • Man City vs Liverpool — Sat, 1:45 PM

  • Chelsea vs Port Vale — Sat, 6:15 PM

  • Southampton vs Arsenal — Sat, 8:00 PM

  • West Ham vs Leeds — Sun, 5:30 PM

La Liga

  • Mallorca vs Real Madrid — Sat, 3:15 PM

  • Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona — Sat, 8:00 PM

  • Getafe vs Athletic Club — Sun, 1:00 PM

  • Valencia vs Celta Vigo — Sun, 3:15 PM

  • Girona vs Villarreal — Mon, 8:00 PM

Serie A

  • Inter vs Roma — Sun, 7:45 PM

  • Udinese vs Como — Mon, 11:30 AM

  • Juventus vs Genoa — Mon, 5:00 PM

  • Napoli vs AC Milan — Mon, 7:45 PM

Ligue 1

  • PSG vs Toulouse — Fri, 7:45 PM

  • Lille vs Lens — Sat, 8:05 PM

  • Angers vs Lyon — Sun, 2:00 PM

  • Monaco vs Marseille — Sun, 7:45 PM

Watch Every Game

Catch all the action live on SuperSport on DStv and GOtv. Matches are also available via DStv Stream and GOtv Stream.

Manage or upgrade your subscription via the MyDStv or MyGOtv apps, visit www.dstv.com or www.gotvafrica.com, or dial *288# to stay connected.

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World Cup 2026 African Players Watchlist

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Easywin Nigeria

As anticipation builds toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup, African football continues to command global attention with a new generation of stars and established leaders ready to shine on the biggest stage. The World Cup 2026 African Players Watchlist highlights a blend of elite talent and rising influence, with key players expected to carry their nations deep into the tournament.

Leading the spotlight is Mohamed Salah, whose consistency, speed, and goal-scoring ability remain crucial for Egypt’s ambitions. Salah’s experience in high-pressure matches and his leadership role make him one of Africa’s most dependable performers heading into the tournament.

Nigeria’s hopes will heavily rely on Victor Osimhen, a striker known for his explosive pace, aerial strength, and clinical finishing. Osimhen has developed into one of Europe’s most feared forwards, and his ability to deliver in decisive moments could be key for the Super Eagles on the global stage. From Cameroon, Bryan Mbeumo brings versatility and attacking intelligence. His ability to operate across the front line, combined with his creativity and work rate, makes him a valuable asset in breaking down organized defenses.

Meanwhile, Hannibal Mejbri represents the new wave of African midfield talent. Known for his energy, technical skill, and vision, Mejbri adds dynamism and unpredictability to Tunisia’s setup, especially in high-tempo matches. These players reflect the tactical diversity and growing strength of African football. From attacking firepower to midfield creativity, their performances will shape not only their national teams’ success but also the overall competitiveness of African nations at the World Cup.

Tracking top-performing players and key moments gives you a sharper edge when breaking down fixtures and spotting winning opportunities. Easywin Nigeria makes it simple to turn that insight into real value, offering competitive odds, live match updates, fast payout systems, instant withdrawal options, cashback rewards, and a rewarding double deposit offer that keeps you in control.

Step into the excitement of World Cup 2026 with Easywin Nigeria. Stay ahead with smart predictions, explore upcoming matches, and unlock cashback benefits alongside the double deposit offer, all on a secure and seamless platform built for a winning experience. The World Cup 2026 African Players Watchlist showcases the continent’s growing influence in global football. With stars like Salah, Osimhen, Mbeumo, and Mejbri leading the charge, Africa is set to deliver excitement, quality, and unforgettable moments on football’s biggest stage.

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Roberto De Zerbi Joins Tottenham as New Head Coach

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Roberto De Zerbi

By Dipo Olowookere

Italian professional manager and former player, Roberto De Zerbi, has returned to England to serve as the new Head Coach of Tottenham Hotspur’s football team.

He will fight to ensure the London team does not play in the Championship next season, as the team currently sits one point from relegation.

The former Brighton manager is taking over from Igor Tudor, who parted ways with Tottenham a few days ago.

In a statement, Spurs said the appointment of De Zerbi is subject to a work permit.

The club’s Sporting Director, Mr Johan Lange, said, “Roberto was our number one target for the summer and we are very pleased to be able to bring him in now.

“He is one of the most creative and forward-thinking coaches in world football, and brings with him a wealth of experience at the highest level, including in the Premier League.”

Reacting to his choice for the job, De Zerbi said, “I am delighted to be joining this fantastic football club, which is one of the biggest and most prestigious in the world.

“In all my discussions with the club’s leadership, their ambition for the future has been clear – to build a team capable of reaching great achievements, and to do that playing a style of football that excites and inspires our supporters. I am here because I believe in that ambition and have signed a long-term contract to give everything to deliver it.

“Our short-term priority is to climb the Premier League table, which will be the complete focus until the final whistle of the last game of the season. I’m looking forward to getting out on the training pitch and working with these players to achieve that.”

De Zerbi earned almost 300 appearances in his playing career across 15 years. He began coaching in his native Italy and in June 2018, joined Serie A side Sassuolo, earning recognition for his exciting, attack-minded and possession-based approach.

He took charge of Shakhtar Donetsk in May 2021, leading them to the UEFA Champions League group stage and the Ukrainian Super Cup – his first piece of silverware as a coach.

Heading to East Sussex to join Brighton & Hove Albion in September 2022, De Zerbi helped secure the Seagulls’ highest-ever Premier League finish in his debut season, earning European qualification for the first time in the club’s history.

In his most recent role at Marseille, the Ligue 1 side finished as runners-up in 2024/25, earning a spot in the UEFA Champions League.

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