Sports
Betting Online in Nigeria
Online betting is available in Nigeria, with support for mobile devices. Nonetheless, you can still place wagers on your favorite sports from your PC. The key is identifying sportsbooks worth your money and time with adequate features for smooth sailing.
Most Nigerian sportsbooks have live streaming and cashout features to enhance the online betting experience. You can pay using local banking methods, with some allowing funding through vouchers from their physical shops. Even so, you must know the acceptable minimum and maximum deposits.
Our brief take on betting online in Nigeria will cover the primary factors you should consider. It will give you a smooth start when placing your first wager. So, here are a few vital details you must know about betting online in Nigeria:
Finding the Best Online Betting Sites in Nigeria
The first step in placing wagers is finding a sportsbook. You’ll find several on the Nigerian market. However, not all are worth your time and money.
You should consider several aspects of a bookmaker before opening an account. They include the following:
Reputation
These are a few points to consider under reputation:
- Does the sportsbook offer quick payouts?
- Are documented features like cashout available?
- How fast does it respond to player complaints (customer service)?
- Does the site have downtime?
Those checks should get you started on finding a good bookmaker. Player reviews are the easiest way to find information about a sportsbook’s reputation. They contain other players’ experiences, and you’ll be surprised at how much you can learn about any site.
You can also check with independent reviewers to learn about their views. Reputable sportsbooks are easily identifiable using this approach.
Security
Your data (personal details like name, date of birth, and address) is essential and should be protected from online hacking. Hence, security should be among your primary considerations when looking for a bookie.
Sportsbooks often include security features for data and fund protection. The most prominent is SSL encryption, which prevents hackers from retrieving data during transmission. Other security features include the following:
- 2-factor authentication
- Restricted access to servers
- Firewall protection for the servers
Licensing
Like other countries, Nigeria offers licenses to local sportsbooks. They often come from the federal and state governments. Even so, you might find bookies with only one federal or state government license.
The National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) is the government body regulating online betting in Nigeria. Hence, most sportsbooks will have a license from them.
Run the license number through the NLRC database to confirm its validity. That is because licenses have expiration dates and must be renewed after that.
Reputation, security, and licensing are the primary checks for finding a good bookmaker in the country. The next step is checking the available features, supported payment options, and sports available.
Popular Features Available
Betting is as simple as picking a sporting event and placing a wager. However, certain features augment the experience, improving your chances of winning. They include the following:
Live Streaming
This feature allows you to follow matches in real-time. You can use it for the cashout feature (discussed in the next section) or to place live wagers. The latter refers to bets placed during a game.
Live streaming gives you a brief insight into gameplay before placing wagers. Hence, it is one of the prominent features of digital wagering platforms.
Cashout
The days of waiting for all the games on your bet slip to play out are long gone. Today, the cashout feature allows you to take your winnings even when you have yet to exhaust the events on your bet slip. It is essential if you are unsure of the coming events.
Statistics
This feature provides information on previous matches. You can use it to learn about the results of the last clashes or team performances before the game. The feature can also contain information on the players.
Statistics help punters analyze a game better before wagering. It is one of the most prominent features of bookies.
Payment Options
Typical payment options supported by sportsbooks in the country include the following:
- USSD code transfers
- Mobile app bank transfers
- Debit cards
- Payment vouchers
- Funding at physical shops
You can fund your account using local banks like GTBank, UBA, etc. Go to the cashier section and pick a payment method that works for you. In addition, note the transaction limits (upper and lower) of the option before you proceed.
Betting Markets Available
Nigerian bookies offer sports from around the world. You can bet on prominent football leagues in Europe or basketball in America. Within them are typical wagering markets you’ll find at international bookies.
The markets include the following:
- Moneyline: This refers to wagers n game winners.
- Totals (over/under): This market involves wagering on total points scored during a match with a set threshold
- Handicap: Bookies will handicap the favorites in a match to even the playing field with the underdogs.
- Half-time: You can wager on which team will have the lead before half-time.
These markets will have several odds. The latter determines how much you will make if you win. Pick the best and add it to your betting slip.
Bonuses Available
Most betting sites in Nigeria offer bonuses when you register. They also provide promotions to spice up the experience, provided you remain on their platforms.
Typical bonuses and promotions include the following:
- Welcome offer, often a deposit match
- Accumulator boosts if you have a specific number of events on your bet slip
- Cashbacks
How to Start Betting Online in Nigeria
Placing your first bet is as simple as browsing the world wide web on your mobile device. Follow the steps below to get started betting online in Nigeria:
- Find a reputable and licensed bookmaker.
- Open an account with the bookie.
- Verify your account by submitting the “Know your customer (KYC)” documents.
- Fund your wagering account. Note the minimum deposit for any welcome bonuses available.
- Go to the sports section and pick a sport.
- Find upcoming or ongoing events in the sport.
- Review the betting markets and odds available.
- Pick an odd and add it to your bet slip.
- Set your bet amount. You will see how much you will earn if the wager wins.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Super Falcons of Nigeria have been drawn in Group C with Egypt, Zambia and Malawi for the defence of their Women’s’ Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in March, which will be hosted again in Morocco.
Last year, the Nigerian team won the record 10th tournament after defeating the host nation, Morocco, 3-2 in a spectacular final after going down 2-0.
The 2026 edition will be played in Morocco from March 17-April 3, eight months after the last tournament.
The last edition slated for 2024 was postponed by a year for logistical reasons as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) could not get interested hosts.
The next edition which will be the 14th edition and Nigeria will be hoping to win the women’s tournament for the 11th time.
Nigeria’s dominance is only rivalled by Equatorial Guinea which won as hosts of the 2008 and 2012 editions. South Africa won the 2022 edition to become the third African nation to ever win the tournament.
The next edition carries added importance because it serves as qualifying for next year’s Women’s World Cup, with the top four finishers taking up Africa’s slots in the global tournament to be hosted by Brazil.
GROUPS
Group A (Rabat Moulay Hassan Stadium): Morocco, Algeria, Senegal, Kenya,
Group B (Rabat Al Madina Stadium): South Africa, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Tanzania
Group C (Casablanca): Nigeria, Zambia, Egypt, Malawi
Group D (Fes): Ghana, Cameroon, Mali, Cape Verde.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Chairman of BUA Group, Mr Abdul Samad Rabiu, has reaffirmed his commitment to reward the Super Eagles with the promised $500,000 despite losing the semi-final match against Morocco in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Wednesday night.
The Nigerian senior national football team lost the tie against Morocco 4-2 on penalties after both sides failed to break the deadlock after 120 minutes.
In a post on his official Instagram on Thursday, the billionaire industrialist commended the football team for their determination and unity throughout the competition.
Mr Rabiu said the players displayed admirable grit and commitment on the field, adding that although the trophy eluded them, their performance inspired pride and admiration among Nigerians at home and abroad.
“To our brave Super Eagles, You fought with your hearts, gave your all, and showed true courage and determination on the pitch. Though it wasn’t meant to be this time, you have made every Nigerian proud.
“Sometimes, even our best efforts don’t bring the outcome we hope for, but the spirit, passion, and unity you displayed are what truly matter. You left everything on the field, and that is worthy of celebration.
“As a token of appreciation for your remarkable journey and effort, I am still going ahead to fulfill the pledge of $500,000. This is in recognition of your hard work, dedication, and the joy you have brought to our nation.
“Keep your heads high, Super Eagles – the experience, lessons, and spirit will fuel even greater success next time. Nigeria will always be proud of you, and we believe in your future victories!” the statement read.
Nigeria failed to advance to the final of the 2025 AFCON yesterday after losing to Morocco’s Atlas Lions in a tense penalty shootout, a result that sent the North African side through to the final.
Moroccan goalkeeper, Yacine Bounou saved kicks from both Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi, allowing Youssef En-Nesyri to convert the winning kick and spark wild celebrations inside the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Nigeria will play Egypt in the bronze medal match on Sunday, January 18 while Morocco will face 2021 winners, Senegal for the chance to win the trophy for the first time in 50 years.
Midweek football delivers decisive moments across three competitions as the Carabao Cup reaches the semi-final in England, Serie A’s title contenders play their games in hand, and the Africa Cup of Nations narrows down to its final two. Fans can follow every fixture live on SuperSport across DStv and GOtv.
Carabao Cup: Semi-Final Second Legs Decide Wembley Places
The Carabao Cup semi-finals conclude with two heavyweight fixtures as clubs push for a place in the final at Wembley.
On Tuesday at 9:00 p.m., Newcastle host Man City at St James’ Park. Newcastle enter the second leg as defending Carabao Cup champions and come into the tie in strong domestic form, having recorded three straight league wins and progressed in the FA Cup after a penalty shootout victory over Bournemouth.
City arrive after a heavy FA Cup win against Exeter City but are still searching for consistency in the league following a run of draws. Both sides have navigated the competition efficiently so far, setting up a finely balanced contest.
Wednesday’s second semi-final sees Chelsea host Arsenal at 9:00 p.m. Chelsea begin the second leg under new manager Liam Rosenior after a convincing FA Cup victory over Charlton, though league form has been less consistent following a recent defeat to Fulham.
Arsenal, meanwhile, arrive as Premier League leaders and remain active in all major competitions this season. Their FA Cup win over Portsmouth maintained momentum as they look to secure a return to Wembley.
Both Carabao Cup semi-final matches air live on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203).
Serie A: Games in Hand Shape the Title Race
Serie A’s midweek programme features three fixtures involving clubs playing their game in hand, with implications at both ends of the table.
On Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., Napoli host Parma. Napoli were held to a draw by Inter Milan in their previous outing and sit fourth, level on points with Juventus. With other contenders also in action, a win could lift them further up the standings. Parma arrive after a narrow victory over Lecce and continue to look upward from mid-table.
Later on Wednesday at 8:45 p.m., leaders Inter Milan face Lecce at the San Siro. Inter saw their winning run halted by Napoli but remain three points clear at the top. Lecce arrive having suffered consecutive defeats and will be aiming to secure a positive result in a difficult away fixture.
Thursday’s action concludes at 8:45 p.m. as AC Milan travel to face Como. Milan sit second but have been held to back-to-back draws and will be seeking a return to winning form. Como, coached by Cesc Fàbregas, have impressed this season and sit sixth, boasting one of the league’s strongest defensive records.
All Serie A fixtures are broadcast live on SS Africa 2 (GOtv Ch. 64, DStv Ch. 208).
AFCON 2025: Semi-Finals Decide Finalists
The Africa Cup of Nations reaches its penultimate stage with two semi-final clashes scheduled for Wednesday.
Senegal face Egypt at 6:00 p.m. in Tangier in a renewal of a recent AFCON rivalry. Senegal, winners of the 2021 edition, have progressed with control and balance, while Egypt have relied on resilience and decisive moments in the knockout rounds. The matchup once again brings together key figures from both sides as a place in the final is at stake.
Later at 9:00 p.m., Nigeria meet hosts Morocco in Rabat. Nigeria advanced after a disciplined quarter-final performance, while Morocco continue to combine defensive organisation with efficiency in attack. With home support behind them, Morocco face a Nigerian side that has shown attacking consistency throughout the tournament.
Both AFCON semi-finals air live on SS AFCON (GOtv Ch. 59, DStv Ch. 202).
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