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Messi Wins Record Sixth Ballon d’Or 

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Lionel Messi Ballon d'Or

By Adedapo Adesanya 

Barcelona and Argentina star, Lionel Messi, won his sixth Ballon d’Or at an event held at Theatre du Chatelet in Paris on Monday night.

He won the award ahead of Liverpool’s Virgil Van Dijk, who helped his team clinch the Champions League last season in second place and in third, Cristiano Ronaldo, whom they were both tied on five a-piece to become all-time winner.

This would be his first award in four years as the last four editions had seen Cristiano Ronaldo win three while Croatian International and Real Madrid playmaker, Luka Modric, won the award last year.

“Today is my sixth Ballon d’Or. It’s a completely different moment, lived with my family and my children,” Messi said after he received the priced asset.

“As my wife said, you must never stop dreaming but always work to improve and continue to enjoy. I am very lucky, I am blessed.

“I hope to continue for a long time. I realise that I am very lucky, even if, one day, retirement will ring. It will be difficult.

“But I still have beautiful years ahead of me. Time goes very quickly, so, I want to enjoy football and my family” he further said before leaving the stage amidst cheers from the audience.

Liverpool goalkeeper, Alisson, won the inaugural Lev Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper ahead of Barcelona’s Germany international, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and fellow Brazilian, Ederson of Manchester City.

Defender Matthijs de Ligt took the Kopa Trophy, awarded to the best under-21 player and selected by former Ballon d’Or winners.

In the women’s category, USA’s Megan Rapinoe won the women Ballon d’Or after helping her country win its second consecutive FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2019. She beat England defender Lucy Bronze, who came second. Rapinoe’s American teammate Alex Morgan was third.

Rapinoe scored six goals in the tournament, earning the Golden Boot as the top scorer and the Golden Ball as the top player.

Adedapo Adesanya is a journalist, polymath, and connoisseur of everything art. When he is not writing, he has his nose buried in one of the many books or articles he has bookmarked or simply listening to good music with a bottle of beer or wine. He supports the greatest club in the world, Manchester United F.C.

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Soft2Bet Partners Channels TV to Explore African Betting Market

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Soft2Bet Channels TV

By Dipo Olowookere

In order to explore the African betting market, a leading bookmaker, Soft2Bet, has partnered with a prominent media firm, Channels Media Group.

The collaboration is to take advantage of the media platform to deploy Soft2Bet’s Motivational Engineering Gamification Application (MEGA), the gamification solution that enables operators to deliver market-leading ROI by providing quality content and driving player engagement in regulated jurisdictions.

As part of the deal, the online sports betting and casino company will power the broadcast station’s online sports betting and casino offering, Waddibet, to drive value for the group by managing its entire customer acquisition and retention strategy through its market-leading ‘Managed Services’ offering.

“Our joining forces with Soft2Bet will see us  blend our local expertise with their cutting-edge online sports betting and casino operations.

“We’re also highly excited at the thought of integrating Soft2Bet’s MEGA gamification and are confident in our ability to deliver premium content and elevate player engagement across this market.

“Together, we’re committed to setting new industry standards and establishing a leading iGaming brand that will provide unmatched entertainment to our players,” the Group Strategist and Consultant of Channels Media Group, Tobi Momoh, said.

On his part, the Chief Business Development Officer of Soft2Bet, Martin Collins, said, “As a group, Soft2Bet is truly delighted to announce its first African partnership with a high-calibre media partner like Channels TV.

“Nigeria is the continent’s largest economy and a vibrant market and the combination of Channels TV’s strong brand equity and our highly localised and powerful solutions will deliver strong growth in this major market.”

Soft2Bet’s regulatory footprint grew significantly in 2023 as the group entered major markets like Sweden, Denmark, Romania and Italy and in 2024 this has continued and it is set to forge ahead on this path with worldwide expansion into Africa’s largest economy and most populous country with Channels TV.

As the company executes on its strategic roadmap throughout 2025 it will continue integrating new partners to its B2B platform and adding to its content library to deliver the richest and most complete turnkey solution for its partners.

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Unveiling the Thrill of Online Casinos: Slots, Games, and More

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Online Casinos

The innovation of online casinos has transformed how people enjoy leisure and gaming activities. From anywhere and at any time, online casinos have opened their doors to literally everyone, ensuring that the most convenient and exciting kinds of entertainment are within reach.

Whether spinning the reels in popular slot games or plotting out the next move in poker, online casinos bring a virtual get-away like none other. For a deeper understanding of strategies, tips, and insights, one can look to resources such as blog.20bet.com, which provides very valuable information to make your gaming experience even better. Now, let’s get a closer look at the fascinating world of online casinos.

Online Casino Evolution

The journey of online casinos began in the mid-1990s with the advent of the Internet. Fast forward to today, and the industry has mushroomed into a multi-billion-dollar global phenomenon. But to what can its phenomenal popularity be attributed?

Ease of Access and Convenience

One of the major reasons why online casinos have prospered is the convenience they offer. It means that with a smartphone, tablet, or computer, players can play any time, anywhere.

Multitude of Games

Unlike land-based casinos, online casinos offer a plethora of games on their roster. From classic table games like blackjack and roulette, to creative slots with engaging themes, there’s something for every gamer’s taste.

Slot Games: Entertainment for All

Slot games are the most enjoyed amusement in the world of online casinos. The simplicity of the game, combined with appealing graphics and lucrative bonuses, has made it a favorite both for amateur and professional players.

Why Slots Are a Favorite Among People

Easy to Play: Slots are the easiest casino game to play, and there is absolutely no need for experience or strategies.

Creative Themes: Starting from mythology to adventure, slot games are designed with various themes that attract players.

Jackpots: Progressive slots boast of life-altering jackpots which grow with each new spin.

Features of the Best Slots

High RTP: Games with high RTP percentages offer a very good chance of winning.

Bonus Rounds: Look out for slots offering free spins, multipliers, and more.

Mobile Compatibility: Make sure it works on your device.

Table Games: Where Strategy and Entertainment Meet

Table games will satisfy those who want to feel some strategy with their luck. In these games, players will need more engagement and are particularly rewarding when well played.

Popular Table Games

Blackjack: A game of skill and strategy, players try to outdo the dealer without going over 21. Roulette: A very exciting game of chance in which gamblers bet on where the ball will land on a spinning wheel. Poker: From Texas Hold’em to Omaha, poker is all about bluffing, strategy, and calculated risks. Tips for Table Games Success Understand the Rules: First, understand the rules and strategies of the game.

Free Games to Practice: Many sites offer free versions to hone your skills.

Bankroll Management: Set limits and stick to them to avoid overspending.

Live Casino Games: Bringing Realism to Your Screen

The introduction of live dealer games has narrowed the gap between traditional casinos and online casino games. In these games, real dealers host the games, and it is broadcast in real-time for an authentic experience right in your living room.

Advantages of Live Dealer Games

Real-Time Interaction: Chat with dealers and other players to create a social atmosphere.

High Stakes: Many live games cater to high rollers looking for more intense gaming sessions.

Variety: Enjoy games like live blackjack, baccarat, and game show-inspired titles like “Crazy Time.”

Bonuses and Promotions: Maximizing Your Experience

Online casinos often attract players with enticing bonuses and promotions. These offers can significantly enhance your gameplay if used wisely.

Common Types of Bonuses

Welcome Bonus: A reward for signing up, often including deposit matches and free spins.

No Deposit Bonus: Get a small bonus without making an initial deposit.

Loyalty Programs: Earn points with every wager and redeem them for rewards.

How to Choose the Best Bonus

Read the Terms and Conditions: Understand the wagering requirements beforehand.

Check the Validity Period: Make sure that the time given by the bonus is sufficient enough to meet its requirements.

Focus on Your Favorite Games: Some bonuses are game-specific. Choose ones that suit your interests.

Responsible Gaming: A Key Aspect of Enjoyment

While online casinos are a source of entertainment, it’s essential to practice responsible gaming to ensure a positive experience.

Tips for Responsible Gaming

Set a Budget: Decide on a spending limit before you start playing.

Take Breaks: Avoid long gaming sessions to maintain a healthy balance.

Know your Limits: Don’t chase losses; it’s better to walk away and try another day.

Tools at the Player’s Aid

Most online casinos include features for self-exclusion, setting deposit limits, and reality checks that may enable responsible gaming.

Future of Online Casinos

With technology Burke, the online casino industry is bound to reach newer heights. Following are a few trends that are going to shape its future:

Virtual Reality Casinos

Just imagine being inside a virtual casino playing games and communicating with other players, as if you were sitting across from each other. This is the reality that VR technology is bringing into being.

Cryptocurrency and Blockchain

Cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, are becoming increasingly popular. They provide quicker transactions with added security. Fairness in gaming is ensured through the transparency provided by blockchain technology.

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NFF Appoints Former Mali’s Manager Eric Chelle as Super Eagles Coach

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Eric Chelle Super Eagles

By Dipo Olowookere

The former manager of Mali’s national football team, Mr Eric Chelle, has been appointed as the new head coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles.

The appointment of Mr Chelle was announced on Tuesday night by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

The first job of the new coach will be to guide the home-base Super Eagles team to victory at the 2024 CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) co-hosted by the trio of Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania from February 1–28, 2025.

He will work with the current Super Eagles B coaching staff, which includes Daniel Ogunmodede, Fidelis Ilechukwu, and Olatunji Baruwa, who successfully guided the team through CHAN qualifiers.

The biennial football tournament is organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and sponsored by an oil giant, TotalEnergies.

Mr Chelle would be expected to deploy his tactics to ensure a successful outing of the home-based Super Eagles at the competition and also revive the main team, according to the president of the NFF, Mr Ibrahim Gusau.

“We want whoever takes charge of the team to begin immediately, which is why the same coach will manage the CHAN Eagles.

“This allows us to identify promising home-based players who can contribute to the senior national team,” he stated.

Business Post reports that the new coach was favoured for the new job by the Technical and Development Sub-Committee of the federation and endorsed by the executive committee.

One of his biggest tasks will be to qualify the Super Eagles for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States of America (USA).

At the moment, Nigeria occupies fifth position and will play the next qualifiers in two months’ time.

Mr Chelle led the Mali national team to quarterfinals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. He is the latest foreign coach appointed by the NFF to manage the country’s national team.

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