Sports
Fuludu Backs Regulation of Sports Betting in Africa
By Dipo Olowookere
The former Chairman of the Delta State Football Association (DSFA), Mr Edema Fuludu, has charged the Nigerian government, as well as other nations in Africa, to regulate sports betting.
In an interview with SportsBoom, the 1994 winner of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) also emphasised the need for the league management systems and sports stakeholders to step up and try to curb the real actors of sports indulging in sports betting.
According to him, if urgent steps are not taken by the relevant stakeholders, the sporting industry could lose its relevance because of the activities of bookmakers.
The impact of betting on sports
He lamented that betting, like a canker, has eaten deep into the sports system in Africa, and such misdemeanour has rubbed off, denying football and sports authenticity, warning that if steps are then not taken to curb players, football managers, officials and the likes getting involved, then there is a problem, a big one at that.
So, when quizzed on the influences he thinks the springing up and establishment of several sports betting companies in Nigeria and Africa at large has had on sports, the former head coach of Warri Wolves said, “I’m so worried that it has eaten so deep, so deep that sometimes we who are match commissioners will complain to the NPFL, the League organisers that look, we must be able to do something regarding finding the players, coaches or even owners that bet on games.”
“If these people who are the participants begin to wager on results, then the game is in jeopardy,” he added.
Betting strictly only for sports fans
Essentially, sports betting platforms like the Nearest Edge platform should only be for the fans. By being fans and not working in any aspect of the sport but merely loving and enjoying what these sports actors do, they can enjoy that luxury.
“But those who are fans, who are enjoying themselves, it’s giving them money as well as losing money — it’s all part of winning and playing the game. When they go to the stadiums and cheer their favourite players and teams, they do so knowing well they have something to show for it.
“They enjoy it, and I mean it brings more people to get into the system. And it generates funds for the organisers of the betting companies. However, we must find a way to curb players getting involved.
“We’ve had reports where players in a league game were compromised, to lose games, to cause penalties, to concede first corner kicks, to do stuff within certain minutes of the game. Sometimes, even referees get involved. It’s crazy, but these things have to stop,” he said.
“There is a need for an ethics committee that will involve the EFCC, the ICPC, the police, get these guys in it and let them do the job of investigating. Of course, if I’m a coach, and I get to hear that you as a player is into betting then you have no business in my team,” the football administrator added.
The large task of fighting this evil
“It is a big job battling this, but someone’s got to do it. We need to find a way to see these things are not part of our system. Maybe it is difficult to stop it totally, but if we’re able to say no to it, it should not continue,” he further stated.
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By Dipo Olowookere
Manchester United centre-back, Harry Maguire, has signed a new contract with the football club for an additional year.
He will remain at the Theatre of Dreams until June 2027, with the option for a further year, a statement from the Red Devil said.
“Representing Manchester United is the ultimate honour. It is a responsibility that makes me and my family proud every single day.
“I am delighted to extend my journey at this incredible club to at least eight seasons and continue to play in front of our special supporters to create more amazing moments together.
“You can feel the ambition and potential of this exciting squad. The determination throughout the whole club to fight for major trophies is clear for everyone to see, and I am confident that our best moments together remain ahead of us,” the club’s former captain stated.
“Harry represents the mentality and resilience required to perform for Manchester United. He is the ultimate professional who brings invaluable experience and leadership to our young, ambitious squad.
“Harry, like everyone at the club, is completely determined to help Manchester United to achieve regular and sustained success,” the Director of Football at Manchester United, Mr Jason Wilcox, was quoted as saying in the statement.
The Three Lions defender has made 266 appearances and won the Carabao Cup and Emirates FA Cup since joining the club in 2019.
European club football enters its decisive quarter-final phase in the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League. With semi-final places on the line, the first-leg fixtures promise high-intensity clashes. All matches will be broadcast live on SuperSport, available on DStv and GOtv.
Champions League: Heavyweights Collide
At 8:00 PM, Real Madrid host Bayern Munich in the standout tie of the round. Both sides were emphatic in the previous stage, with Madrid dismantling Manchester City and Bayern delivering a dominant performance against Atalanta. The match airs live on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203).
Madrid arrive off a disappointing domestic setback, while Bayern continue to show resilience and attacking firepower. The Bernabéu will be central to Madrid’s hopes against a side currently scoring with ease.
Also at 8:00 PM, Sporting Lisbon face Arsenal in Lisbon, live on SS Football Plus HD (DStv Ch. 202). Arsenal come into the tie under pressure following consecutive cup losses in the Carabao and FA Cups, while Sporting are full of confidence after an impressive run of form. With momentum firmly on the Portuguese side, this fixture presents a significant test of Arsenal’s mentality.
At 8:00 PM on Wednesday, Barcelona welcome Atletico Madrid in what promises to be a tightly contested tactical encounter. The game will be shown live on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203). Barcelona claimed a recent league victory between the sides, but Atletico have already proven their ability to disrupt them this season. Expect a high-stakes contest between two teams who know each other well.
Also at 8:00 PM, Paris Saint-Germain take on Liverpool in Paris, live on SS Football Plus HD (DStv Ch. 202). PSG have emerged as one of the competition’s most dominant sides, carrying strong momentum into the tie. Liverpool, meanwhile, arrive under pressure following a heavy domestic defeat and will need a significant improvement to remain competitive heading into the second leg.
Europa & Conference League: Thursday Night Stakes
While the Champions League dominates midweek headlines, Thursday brings its own high-stakes quarter-final action across the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League.
In the Europa League, Bologna host Aston Villa in a compelling first-leg encounter, live on SS La Liga (GOtv Ch. 62, DStv Ch. 204) at 8:00 PM, . Aston Villa have impressed throughout the competition and arrive well-rested, while Bologna’s path to this stage has been defined by resilience and high-intensity performances. The contrast in preparation could shape the outcome.
Also at 8:00 PM, FC Porto face Nottingham Forest, with the match airing on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203). Porto will look to assert themselves at home after previous meetings between the sides, while Forest have already demonstrated their ability to navigate difficult knockout ties.
For the Conference League, Crystal Palace take on Fiorentina at Selhurst Park, live on SS Football (GOtv Ch. 61, DStv Ch. 205) at 8:00 PM. Palace continue their pursuit of European silverware against a Fiorentina side balancing continental ambition with inconsistent domestic form. The hosts will aim to build a first-leg advantage before the return fixture in Italy.
Quarter-Final Fixtures – First Legs
UEFA Champions League
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Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich – Tue, 8:00 PM (SS Premier League)
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Sporting Lisbon vs Arsenal – Tue, 8:00 PM (SS Football Plus HD)
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Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid – Wed, 8:00 PM (SS Premier League)
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Paris Saint-Germain vs Liverpool – Wed, 8:00 PM (SS Football Plus HD)
UEFA Europa League
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Bologna vs Aston Villa – Thu, 8:00 PM (SS La Liga)
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FC Porto vs Nottingham Forest – Thu, 8:00 PM (SS Premier League)
UEFA Conference League
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Crystal Palace vs Fiorentina – Thu, 8:00 PM (SS Football)
Follow the Action
Catch all the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League action live on SuperSport on DStv and GOtv. Matches are also available to stream 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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