Sports
Eguavoen Promises Victory as Nigeria Hosts Ghana for World Cup Slot
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Technical Director of the Nigerian senior team – the Super Eagles, Mr Augustine Eguavoen, has said he will deliver Nigeria the world cup qualification ticket. The global tournament is scheduled to hold in Qatar later in the year.
The first leg of the Ghana- Nigeria tie ended in an uneventful goalless draw last Friday and on Tuesday (today) by 6 pm, the return leg will take place in Abuja.
Speaking at a pre-match conference in Abuja today, Mr Eguavoen disclosed that he understood the level of expectation ahead of the crunch tie and assured Nigerians of his squad picking the golden ticket.
“Expectations are high, Nigerians, football lovers and Super Eagles supporters have been praying and cheering for the team, they should continue in that manner,” he said.
“We can promise them at the end of the day we will make everyone happy, keep the support high, fill up the stadium and support Nigeria,” the former Nigerian international, who played in the 1994 World Cup in the United States, said.
Asked if he was under pressure to deliver, he noted, “I am not under any pressure, I am representing all Nigerian coaches both old and young. We want to collectively be in Qatar that is the message, once we cross the line everybody will be jubilating.”
Meanwhile, the coach of the Black Stars of Ghana, Mr Otto Addo, revealed his side needed to improve on their last performance to stand a chance of qualification.
The Ghanaian contingent had arrived Monday afternoon aboard a chartered aircraft at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport with 25 players, technical crew members, and officials of the Ghana Football Association.
“We have to improve and limit the Nigerian chances and we should try to score. We had some chances and if we improve on that we can start scoring,” coach Addo said.
He also noted that he also felt no pressure like his counterpart but saw it as a privilege
“Pressure for me is a privilege as the coach of the Ghana National team, 20 million Ghanaians will like to be here so I consider it a privilege.
“This is no pressure but surely we want to qualify, so, I told the guys to go out there and have fun. If we make mistakes you can take it on me, we will try to play football surely and we try to score and try to win,” he said.
The M.K.O Abiola Stadium in Abuja is the venue for the decider between both sides at 6 p.m. local time.
To boost support for the national team, the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) purchased 20,000 tickets for fans.
A victory for Nigeria would mean the country will clinch its seventh World Cup finals ticket. The Super Eagles were present in the USA in 1994, France in 1998, Korea/Japan in 2002, South Africa in 2010, Brazil in 2014, and Russia in 2018. The country didn’t qualify for the tourney held in Germany in 2006 after losing the spot to Angola.
Sports
Top 5 Practical Ways to Use AI to Better Understand Betting on 1xBet
AI tools like ChatGPT are becoming part of everyday life. In betting, AI can also be useful, especially for users who want to understand markets, rules, and terminology more clearly before placing a wager.
At 1xBet, player education remains an important part of the overall experience. That approach is also reflected in 1xBalance, a project focused on responsible betting, self-awareness, and practical learning tools for players. Alongside educational content, the project includes a self-assessment test and a calculator, helping users better understand their habits and make more structured decisions. In this context, AI becomes another useful modern tool: not for chasing unrealistic outcomes, but for learning how betting works more clearly and responsibly.
1. Use AI to explain betting terms in simple language
One of the most practical uses of AI is turning betting vocabulary into plain language. Many users see terms like Asian Handicap, Double Chance, Both Teams to Score, or Accumulator without fully understanding what they mean.
Instead of guessing, they can ask AI for a short explanation.
Example prompt:
Explain the betting term “Asian Handicap” in simple words for a beginner.
This is especially useful for newer players on 1xBet who want to understand the logic behind a market before making a decision.
2. Ask AI to compare similar bet types
Some markets look similar, but work differently. That is where mistakes often happen. A user may confuse Draw No Bet with Double Chance, or Over 2.5 with Team Total Over 2.5.
AI can help compare these options side by side.
Example prompt:
What is the difference between Draw No Bet and Double Chance?
This kind of clarification supports smarter, more informed use of the platform and fits naturally with the educational purpose of 1xBalance.
3. Use AI together with the 1xBalance calculator
AI can explain concepts, but practical planning also matters. That is where the 1xBalance calculator becomes especially useful. Once a player understands a market, the calculator can help them think more carefully about stake sizing and structure.
AI can be used to understand the logic of bankroll management, while the calculator helps apply that thinking in a more practical way.
Example prompt:
Explain bankroll management in simple terms and how a calculator can help me plan my bets more carefully.
Used together, these tools support a more disciplined betting approach and reduce the chance of impulsive decisions.
4. Use AI to understand rules and support responsible betting
Promotional terms, market rules, and betting conditions can sometimes feel technical or too long. AI can help summarize key points in simpler language.
Example prompt:
Summarize these betting rules in plain language and tell me the key conditions.
At the same time, 1xBet encourages players to combine tools like AI with official resources such as 1xBalance, where the focus is not only on betting mechanics, but also on awareness, balance, and informed play. AI can simplify information, but the final reference point should always remain the official platform rules.
5. Use AI together with the 1xBalance test to reflect on habits
AI can also support self-reflection. Players can ask it to help organize a betting journal, review decision-making patterns, or think more clearly about their habits over time.
That connects well with the 1xBalance self-assessment test, which gives users a chance to reflect on how they approach betting and whether their habits remain balanced.
Example prompt:
Help me create a simple betting journal to track my stake, market, result, and reason for the bet.
In this way, AI, the 1xBalance test, and the calculator all serve the same broader purpose: helping players stay informed, structured, and more conscious of their decisions.
Final thought
AI can make betting on 1xBet easier to understand, especially for users who want more clarity around terms, rules, and market logic. At the same time, 1xBet continues to invest in player education through 1xBalance, a project built around responsible betting and practical support tools.
The 1xBet platform offers many useful features, including access to detailed statistics, generous bonuses, and other activities. With AI tools, you can quickly learn about all the available functions and better understand how the website and mobile apps work.
Used together, AI, the 1xBalance test, and the calculator help create a more informed experience. The strongest approach is simple: use modern tools to learn, use official 1xBet information to verify, and treat understanding as the foundation of responsible betting.
Sports
2026 Ecobank National Schools’ Team Chess Championship Starts May 7
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
About 1,500 pupils and students from 300 schools nationwide will participate in the 2026 Ecobank National Schools’ Team Chess Championship.
The event will be held from May 7–8, 2026, at the Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC), Lagos, according to a statement from the financial institution, which also assured that all arrangements have been concluded to make the contest memorable.
The Ecobank National Schools’ Team Chess Championship is organised in partnership with the Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF) and SchoolMate.
The 2025 edition, its third, witnessed a significant growth in participation, with over 2,500 students from 450 schools participating.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Ecobank’s Segment Head for Education, Faith and Social Services, Mr Adekunle Adewuyi, said the bank remains committed to scaling the championship as a pathway for developing Nigeria’s next generation of intellectual and strategic leaders.
According to him, the championship has evolved into a strong national platform for nurturing talent and promoting critical thinking among young Nigerians.
“This championship has become a leading national platform for identifying and nurturing emerging chess talents.
“Chess is a powerful educational tool; it sharpens critical thinking, problem-solving and discipline. Through this initiative, we are preparing young Nigerians not just for competition, but for leadership roles in the future,” Mr Adewuyi said.
He described the tournament as a rapidly growing, award-winning scholastic competition that attracts thousands of students annually and promotes intellectual development while fostering future chess grandmasters.
Also speaking, the Vice President of NCF, Mr Adeyinka Adewole Samuel, said the championship aligns with global standards set by the International Chess Federation (FIDE), which encourages countries to organise structured school-level competitions.
According to him, the tournament targets primary and secondary school students aged 7–18, as part of a deliberate strategy to build a sustainable pipeline of future grandmasters.
Mr Adeyinka disclosed that about 150 primary schools and 150 secondary schools are expected to participate this year, with each school fielding five players, bringing the total number of participants to approximately 1,500 students from about 15 states, adding that the competition will feature a N20 million prize pool.
He also revealed that enhanced measures have been introduced to improve event delivery, including strict player eligibility checks, enhanced crowd control, and the deployment of 50 trained arbiters to guarantee fairness and transparency.
Highlighting the impact of the initiative, Mr Adeyinka noted that Nigerian students who emerged from the Ecobank championship have excelled at continental competitions.
“The growth has been phenomenal. When Nigeria competes at continental tournaments, many of the standout players are alumni of the Ecobank championship. We won a gold medal last year in Uganda, and that success is strongly linked to what Ecobank has done,” he said.
On his part, the Marketing Head of SchoolMate Nigeria, Mr Ambesh Kumar, said the company partnered with the initiative to support youth development through education and sport, noting that chess helps children build discipline, focus and strategic thinking.
“We are passionate about quality education for children, and we see this tournament as a veritable means of advancing that cause. Last year, we distributed books to the children, and this year marks our first involvement as a co-sponsor.
“SchoolMate has operated in Nigeria for several years, and we see this chess championship as a meaningful way of giving back to society,” Mr Kumar stated.
Sports
European League Weekend Delivers High-Stakes Clashes Live on SuperSport
League football across Europe enters a defining stretch, with title races tightening and battles for European places and survival intensifying. From England to Spain, Italy and France, key fixtures could shape the final weeks of the season. Watch it all live on SuperSport on DStv and GOtv.
Premier League: Title Pressure, Derby Spotlight, Survival Fight
The title race remains finely poised, with Arsenal narrowly ahead of Man City, while the relegation battle continues to tighten.
Saturday’s fixtures see Brentford host West Ham at 3:00 p.m., with the visitors looking to build on a vital win that kept them above the drop zone. At the same time, Newcastle face Brighton, live on SS Football (GOtv Ch. 61, DStv Ch. 205), as both sides chase momentum in a congested mid-table. Arsenal then take on Fulham at 5:30 p.m., with the leaders aiming to maintain their advantage despite midweek exertions.
Sunday is headlined by the North-West Derby at 3:30 p.m. as Man United host Liverpool, with both sides looking to secure their Champions League spot. Later, Aston Villa meet Tottenham at 7:00 p.m., with Villa chasing a top-four return after their recent slip and Spurs fighting to get out of the relegation zone.
On Monday, Chelsea face Nottingham Forest at 3:00 p.m., seeking to arrest a poor league run of five straight defeats, before Man City visit Everton at 8:00 p.m., where victory is essential in the title chase.
All Premier League matches air live on SS Premier League (DStv Ch. 203, GOtv Ch. 65)
La Liga: Title Within Reach, Top-Four Race Tightens
Barcelona’s lead leaves them on the brink of another league title, but the race for Champions League places remains open below them.
On Saturday, Villarreal host Levante at 1:00 p.m. looking to secure their third position before Atletico Madrid visit Valencia at 3:15 p.m., balancing league priorities with European commitments. Barcelona travel to Osasuna at 8:00 p.m., aiming to extend their winning run.
Sunday features Real Betis against Real Oviedo at 5:30 p.m., with Betis targeting the top four, while Real Madrid face Espanyol at 8:00 p.m. looking to restore confidence. Sevilla and Real Sociedad conclude the round on Monday at 8:00 p.m.
La Liga matches air live on SS La Liga (DStv Ch. 204, GOtv Ch. 62).
Serie A: Champions League Race Intensifies
Inter remain in control at the top, but the battle for European places is tightening.
Saturday sees Como host Napoli at 5:00 p.m. in a key clash for the last Champions League spot, while Atalanta face Genoa at 7:45 p.m. needing a response from their inconsistent form.
On Sunday, AC Milan travel to Sassuolo at 2:00 p.m., Juventus meet Verona at 5:00 p.m., and Inter host Parma at 7:45 p.m. Roma round off the fixtures against Fiorentina on Monday at 7:45 p.m., with top-four implications.
Serie A matches are broadcast live on SS Africa 2 (DStv Ch. 208, GOtv Ch. 64).
Ligue 1: Podium Battle Takes Focus
PSG remain favourites for the title, but the race for Champions League places is wide open.
Marseille face Nantes at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, before PSG host Lorient at 4:00 p.m. Nice take on RC Lens at 8:05 p.m., with Lens needing a strong result to stay in contention.
On Sunday, Lille host Le Havre at 2:00 p.m. before the standout fixture sees Lyon meet Rennes at 7:45 p.m., with both sides in strong form and separated by minimal margins in the race for a top-three finish.
Watch Ligue 1 matches on SS Football (DStv Ch. 205, GOtv Ch. 61), with selected fixtures on SS Africa 1 (DStv Ch. 207, GOtv Ch. 63).
Weekend Highlights
Premier League
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Brentford vs West Ham – Sat, 3:00 PM
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Newcastle vs Brighton – Sat, 3:00 PM (SS Football)
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Arsenal vs Fulham – Sat, 5:30 PM
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Man United vs Liverpool – Sun, 3:30 PM
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Aston Villa vs Spurs – Sun, 7:00 PM
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Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest – Mon, 3:00 PM
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Everton vs Man City – Mon, 8:00 PM
La Liga
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Villarreal vs Levante – Sat, 1:00 PM
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Valencia vs Atletico Madrid – Sat, 3:15 PM
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Osasuna vs Barcelona – Sat, 8:00 PM
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Real Betis vs Real Oviedo – Sun, 5:30 PM
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Espanyol vs Real Madrid – Sun, 8:00 PM
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Sevilla vs Real Sociedad – Mon, 8:00 PM
Serie A
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Como vs Napoli – Sat, 5:00 PM
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Atalanta vs Genoa – Sat, 7:45 PM
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Sassuolo vs AC Milan – Sun, 2:00 PM
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Juventus vs Verona – Sun, 5:00 PM
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Inter vs Parma – Sun, 7:45 PM
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Roma vs Fiorentina – Mon, 7:45 PM
Ligue 1
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Nantes vs Marseille – Sat, 2:00 PM
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PSG vs Lorient – Sat, 4:00 PM
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Nice vs RC Lens – Sat, 8:05 PM
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Lille vs Le Havre – Sun, 2:00 PM
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Lyon vs Rennes – Sun, 7:45 PM
Catch Every Moment
As part of the Canal+ family, SuperSport remains committed to delivering world-class football coverage year-round from Europe’s biggest leagues to global showpieces such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Catch all the action live on SuperSport on DStv and GOtv, with matches 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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