Sports
13th African Games Themed ‘Experience the African Dream’ Opens
By Kestér Kenn Klomegâh
Under the theme Experience the African Dream the 13th African Games kicked off, with a spectacular official opening, to showcase the unique cultural heritage, sporting talent of the African continent and its diversity at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium in Accra, the capital city of the Republic of Ghana. The significance of the venue was described as the land of Kwame Nkrumah, the cradle of panafricanism.
The Games, organized in collaboration with the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) and the Association of Africa Sports Confederations (AASC) following a Negotiated Agreement signed in February 2023 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, was graced during the grand opening ceremony by Nana Akufo Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana; Moussa Faki Mahamat, the Chairperson of African Union Commission; and Amb. Minata Samate Cessouma, Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development (HHS) at the African Union Commission, among others.
Nana Addo Dankwa- Akufo Addo, the President of the Republic of Ghana, and the host of the African Games, provided extraordinary leadership and personal commitment to ensure that Ghana delivers a successful edition of the African Games. The vast political, financial and material investment that Ghana has deployed, shows yet another testament to the unwavering commitment to the ideals of African unity. Most importantly, the African Games are also an opportunity to highlight the values of fair play, equality, discipline, inclusion, perseverance, tolerance, and teamwork; these are considered as invaluable keys for building character and peaceful societies.
Throughout history, African athletes have credibly performed in international sports competitions. For instance, the Rugby World Cup Paris 2023, the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, the World Athletics Championship in Budapest and many others. These demonstrate sportsmanship and inspire the next generation. Sports is a powerful platform for human connection.
History of the African Games: The historical roots of the African Games trace back to a General Assembly of African Ministers of Youth and Sport in Dakar, Senegal, in 1963, leading to the inaugural event in Brazzaville, Congo, in 1965. The success of these games led to the creation of the Supreme Council for Sports in Africa (SCSA), which was recognized by the Organization of African Unity (OAU) as the official coordinating body for continental sports. In 2013, the SCSA was dissolved, transferring all functions to the African Union Commission, and in 2016, the African Union Sports Council Secretariat was established to further sports development and coordinate the African Games.
About the African Games: The African Games, a property of the African Union and coordinated by the AU Sports Council, are convened quadrennially, acting as a precursor to the Olympics. They serve as a celebration of athletic excellence, African cultural heritage, and unity. The event plays a pivotal role in advancing youth education, gender equality, and social cohesion, aligning with the aspirations of Agenda 2063 for “The Africa We Want.”
The Games were established to foster high-performance sports and cultural exchanges among African Union Member States. Organized every four years, these games adhere to rules set by the African Union Specialized Technical Committee for Youth, Culture, and Sports (STC-YCS). The African Union Sport Council Technical Committee for the African Games oversees the evaluation of hosting bids and the overall organization by the Local.
Organizational efforts for the 2024 Games involve collaboration between the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) and the Association of Africa Sports Confederations (AASC). This partnership, established through an agreement signed in February 2023 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, emphasizes the collective commitment towards the successful execution of the 13th Edition of the African Games.
About the 13th Africa Games: The 2024 13th African Games, set to be hosted in Accra, Ghana, represent a landmark occasion as it marks the first time the nation will host this esteemed continental sports event. Spanning 15 days, the event will see participation from over 5,000 athletes from across Africa, highlighting the country’s capability to organize major events.
This year’s games will feature over 5,000 athletes vying in 29 sports disciplines, including eight that will serve as qualifiers for the 2024 Paris Olympics. The cities of Accra and Cape Coast will host the events from March 8 to 23, 2024. Competitions will span across sports codes like arm wrestling, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball (3×3), and several others, held in venues such as the Accra Sports Stadium and the University of Ghana Stadium.
According to the African Union, representing over 60% of Africa’s population, healthy and well-educated young Africans are the continent’s best vehicle to transform Africa. Therefore, investing in sports is one of the best ways to implement the AU’s Agenda 2063.
The Super Bowl is far more than a football game. Each year, it becomes a global cultural moment, where sport, music, and social conversation collide. Super Bowl LX promises to be no exception. While fans anticipate the on-field clash between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks, much of the world’s attention has shifted to the halftime stage airing on both ESPN and ESPN2 (DStv Channel 219), where three-time Grammy winner Bad Bunny will make history.
The Puerto Rican superstar, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, is set to become the first non-English-speaking artist to headline the Super Bowl halftime show. His selection has sparked debate in the United States, particularly amid ongoing anti-ICE protests, but it also signals a broader recognition of his cultural impact. Known for pushing artistic boundaries and amplifying underrepresented voices, Bad Bunny brings a rare combination of commercial appeal and social consciousness to the NFL’s biggest stage.
The timing of his performance carries added weight. Just a week before the Super Bowl, Bad Bunny made history at the 2026 Grammy Awards, winning Album of the Year for Debí Tirar Más Fotos (I Should Have Taken More Photos). He used his acceptance speech to address immigration and human dignity, declaring: “Before I say thanks to God, I’m going to say, ICE out,” and calling on audiences to respond to hate with love. That statement has heightened expectations that his halftime show will blend spectacle with message, marking a performance that is about identity as much as entertainment.
As anticipation builds, questions linger over how Bad Bunny will translate this cultural moment on the field. Will the show lean entirely into his chart-topping hits, or will it echo the themes of unity and resistance he spoke of at the Grammys? Either way, the performance is already being framed as a defining cultural moment of 2026, with viewers worldwide eager to witness history in the making.
For audiences in Nigeria, Super Bowl LX and Bad Bunny’s historic halftime performance will air live on both ESPN and ESPN2 (DStv Channel 219) on Monday, February 9, 2026, at 12:30 am WAT. Be sure to also take advantage of the ongoing We Got You offer, where you pay for your current package and DStv upgrades you to the next higher package at no extra cost. This offer runs till February 28, 2026.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
One of the leading financial services groups in Africa, Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) Plc, is championing great experiences and heritage by being the main sponsor of NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament.
The competition is one of Africa’s oldest and most prestigious sporting events and for this year’s edition, it will bring together top local and international polo teams and spectators from across the continent and beyond.
The contest commenced on Tuesday, January 27 at the Lagos Polo Club in Ikoyi and will end on Sunday, February 15, 2026.
The 2026 NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament will feature top‑tier teams competing for major prizes, including the Majekodunmi Cup, Independence Cup, Open Cup, Silver Cup and Low Cup, among others.
Guests can expect a fusion of thrilling equestrian action, polo-inspired lifestyle showcase, and curated hospitality experiences. The event will also be livestreamed, allowing audiences online to share in the excitement and spectacle.
Commenting on GTCO’s role as main sponsor of the Lagos International Polo Tournament, the chief executive of the firm, Mr Segun Agbaje, said, “This tournament, one of the oldest in Africa, celebrates not only the noble sport of polo but the values we hold dear as a brand: teamwork, discipline, fair play, and a commitment to excellence.
“Beyond the field, it showcases Nigeria and Africa to a global audience, reinforcing the continent’s place on the world stage. Our longstanding sponsorship of the NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament reflects our conviction that sport can amplify opportunity, foster connections, and deliver world-class experiences for all.”
The NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament has long been celebrated not only for its thrilling competition and equestrian excellence but also for its rich heritage and cultural resonance within Africa’s sporting tradition. GTCO’s sponsorship embodies the Group’s commitment to creating platforms that unite communities and drive social impact across diverse audiences.
If you’re looking for a fun, reliable, and exciting online betting experience in Nigeria, you’re in the right place. PariPesa Nigeria brings together casino entertainment, sports betting, and modern gaming options designed just for you. Let’s break it all down.
Casino Games
At PariPesa Nigeria, the casino lobby is brimming with exciting games. They are split into categories to help you navigate. You can search for titles using the search bar or narrow down the type of game you enjoy using the filter menu on the left-hand side of the page.
The filters on the left let you pick based on provider, feature, theme, and game types. If there is a title you particularly like, you can also favorite it! There are two separate categories of casino entertainment that depend on your individual casino activity. Recent games are all the ones you have tried, and the favorites section, as you can guess, lists the ones you starred.
Take a look at the main categories of games available.
Slots
Slots are the most popular casino games. They’re beginner-friendly, simple to follow, and you can try them for free in demo mode! At PariPesa Nigeria, you’ll find classic, video, and jackpot slots. Some have Nigerian-themed designs, bright colors, and sound effects that bring the experience close to home.
Table games
Are you a blackjack fan or do you prefer to watch the wheel spin in roulette? Either way, PariPesa Nigeria has a large selection of table games for you to choose from. You will find multiple variations of these titles, along with tables with varying betting ranges. Poker has by far the largest number of variants.
Crash games
These games have extremely quick rounds, so understand the mechanics before you place any real money bets. The concept is simple, really: a multiplier increases, and you cash out before an object “crashes.” The longer you wait, the higher your potential win, but if it crashes before you cash out, you lose that round. Aviator, Chicken Crash, and Doodle Crash are among the more popular games in this category.
Live casino games
Those tired of playing against generated algorithms will find live casino games a welcome break. At PariPesa, you can play poker, blackjack, roulette, and more against a live croupier. You can interact with your dealer and watch everything that happens in real time through video streaming. Remember that these tables are time sensitive, so you will have to place your bets before the window closes, and no, you cannot demo these games.
Sports Betting
Nigerians love sports, and what better way is there to be a part of the action than betting? Football is obviously the favorite, but you can also wager on over 150 sports at PariPesa. You can use the in-house statistics to make well informed bets on your preferred teams and players. Furthermore, the betting markets at PariPesa are top-notch.
- Over/Under
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These are only some of the many, many bets you can place.
eSports
eSports are a hit among young Nigerians. Games like FIFA, CS:GO, and Dota 2 have become part of the sports betting market, and they’re big players. Instead of physical matches, you’re betting on professional gamers competing online.
Virtual Sports
If you enjoy sports but want a quick fix, virtual sports are computer-generated matches that run all day, every day. There are no weather issues and no match postponements or player injuries to affect your strategy. Results are decided by certified random systems, so they’re fair and unpredictable.
Responsible Gambling Policy
No matter what, responsible gaming is an important feature of any online casino platform. PariPesa Nigeria takes this policy very seriously, too. This means you’re encouraged to play for fun, not to chase losses or risk money you can’t afford to lose. You can use the following tools to make sure you don’t go overboard.
- Deposit limits
- Self-exclusion between 6 months and 1 year.
- Session limits
- Regular check-ins
If you ever feel that gambling is becoming a problem, use the resources available online to get help.
PariPesa is synonymous with a complete gaming experience in Nigeria. From casino games and betting to eSports and virtual sports, everything is covered. The navigation is simple, reliable, and let’s be honest, entertaining! So, join PariPesa Nigeria today and enjoy top choices made for people like you!
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