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H1 2024 Analysis On The Nigerian Igaming Market

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Nigerian Igaming Market

According to Statista, Nigeria’s iGaming market is set to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.09% between 2024 and 2027.

Looking at the most recent H1 2024 data for the Nigerian market via iGaming analytics platform Blask, the country seems to be well on the way to establishing itself as one of the most influential in African iGaming.

Exploring the Blask Index for the Nigerian iGaming market

Let’s start by looking at Blask’s own “Index”. This quantitative measure gauges the size of a country’s iGaming market. In H1 2024, Blask says the peak of active Nigerian players reached 21 million in February, with an H1 average of 18.8 million active players across Nigeria. How does this compare as a year-on-year improvement? Blask’s H1 2023 average came in at 16.2 million active players, representing a 2.6 million year-on-year rise – 16% in percentage terms.

There’s also been a steady rise in first-time players too. Blask uses expected first time deposits (eFTDs) as a measure for gauging iGaming market growth. In H1 2023, there was a total of 3.3 million eFTDs compared with 3.7 million eFTDs in H1 2024. This represents a 12.1% year-on-year improvement. Both of the above metrics suggest Statista’s 6.09% CAGR could yet be surpassed – and it gets better.

An encouraging sign for gross gaming revenues

Blask’s expected gross gaming revenue (eGGR) for the Nigerian iGaming market, which estimates the total sum of money wagered minus winnings, hit a total of $95 million in H1 2024. That’s up 15.8% year-on-year from $82 million.

All the indications point to an upwardly mobile iGaming market in Nigeria, underpinned by a string of forward-thinking operators. There are several Nigeria-friendly iGaming platforms working hard to innovate and deliver the next-generation casino games for the new wave of players of legal age. Provably fair crash games are one of the latest additions to iGaming libraries. The Aviator title is listed by the likes of Betano, famed for its simple game mechanics which require little to no classic casino knowledge to get started.

Crash games like these are just one example of how iGaming sites are looking to broaden their player base. Another subsector of iGaming that’s on the rise is live casino gaming. Live dealer casino games are designed to offer a new layer of immersivity, transporting you to virtual casino studios via high-definition (HD) quality real-time broadcasts.

For those who cannot or have never considered venturing to a land-based casino, live casino games are the closest thing to a real-life casino experience. With broadband connectivity fast becoming the norm for residential properties in Nigeria, players can interact with the dealer via the chat box, as well as the other human players active at the table. While the most popular live casino games surround classic casino options like blackjack, roulette and baccarat, there’s a new wave of live dealer games beginning to thrive.

Like crash games, live dealer game shows are successfully dumbing down the casino gaming experience. These wheel-based games aim to replicate a TV-style gameshow environment, with little to no requirement for experience or strategy to prevail.

Well-rounded market growth with work to do for established brands

In its closing remarks within its H1 2024 report, Blask said that, although some Nigeria-friendly iGaming operators experienced a fall in eGGR and market share in the opening six months of the year, the overall market revenue rose strongly. Blask believes this is an encouraging sign, one which indicates the market is powered by a diverse choice of iGaming operators as opposed to being driven by a small monopoly of brands.

Blask’s comments suggested that some of the most established Nigerian iGaming operators found it harder to acquire new players than others, despite the market growth. All of which suggests new entrants to the market are offering a competitive alternative, forcing the leading brands to up their game.

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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Harry Maguire to Remain at Manchester United Until June 2027

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Harry Maguire

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.

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UEFA Club Competitions Reach Quarter-Final Stage Live on SuperSport

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UEFA Club Competitions

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

  • Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich – Tue, 8:00 PM (SS Premier League)

  • Sporting Lisbon vs Arsenal – Tue, 8:00 PM (SS Football Plus HD)

  • Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid – Wed, 8:00 PM (SS Premier League)

  • Paris Saint-Germain vs Liverpool – Wed, 8:00 PM (SS Football Plus HD)

UEFA Europa League

  • Bologna vs Aston Villa – Thu, 8:00 PM (SS La Liga)

  • FC Porto vs Nottingham Forest – Thu, 8:00 PM (SS Premier League)

UEFA Conference League

  • 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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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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