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Mo Salah Emerges Winner of PFA Player of the Year Award

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By Dipo Olowookere

Liverpool’s star player, Mohammed Salah, has been named the PFA Player of the year for the 2017/2018 season.

The Egyptian clinched the coveted award after beating his rival, Kevin de Bruyne, who plays for Manchester City and Belgium.

Mo Salah arrived Anfield this season from Roma and has had a wonderful season with the Reds, scoring 31 goals in the Premier League this season and 41 in all.

He had earlier played for Chelsea, where he struggled to make a mark under Jose Mourinho before he was offloaded to Italy.

He was voted for as the best player in the league this season by fellow professional footballers playing in England.

Speaking after he was announced on Sunday night as winner of the PFA Player award, Mo Salah expressed his gratitude to his professional colleagues for voting him as the best among them.

“It’s a big honour to win this award. I’ve worked hard and I’m very happy to win it.

“I am the first Egyptian to win and hopefully I won’t be the last,

“I’m very proud to win and I have worked very hard.

“You’re comparing you name with some great names. To break the Premier League record is something huge in England and all over in the world.

“There are still three games to go. I want to break this record and also break the one for the season. Let’s see what will happen.”

Mo Salah said further that, “It’s an honour to win this as Player of the Year in the Premier League and especially because it’s voted by the players. So I’m very happy and very proud to win it.

“From day one I left the Premier League, I wanted success here, but it was difficult. I left and came back as a different person. It was unfortunate that I didn’t have my chance at Chelsea.”

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 dipo.olowookere@businesspost.ng

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What’s Next for Nigeria’s Betting Industry? Trends to Watch in 2025

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Paripesa Sport Betting in Nigeria

It’s news of joy learning that Nigeria’s betting market is doing great at different levels. The intense passion for sports, particularly soccer, coupled with the desire of the majority of the young population to have fun, has made sports betting extremely popular. Online portals and smartphones made it convenient to place bets. With the future focusing on 2025, there are some vital trends that will shape the future of Nigerian betting.

The Evolution of Sport Betting in Nigeria

The big shift for sports betting in Nigeria came about when it was legalized during the early 2000s. The National Lottery Act that began in 2005 created regulations for licensed betting firms. The shift not only legalized the betting but also introduced income and innovation. With the rise in the use of the internet, sports betting websites started popping up in Nigeria. Paripesa and other betting platforms employed the use of digital technology to simplify the use of the system and place bets. The users could place the bets from the comforts of home, opening the market further and drawing more individuals. This shift was a large move away from the traditional method of betting, introducing live betting and numerous new options.

Important Trends to watch in 2025

As we look toward 2025, there are some key trends that are likely to define the future of the Nigerian betting industry.

Evolving Regulatory Framework

As the market develops, Nigerian regulators will likely strengthen existing regulations and implement new ones. Improved monitoring will protect customers, promote responsible gaming, and ensure that all comply with the law. Pay attention to license regulations and taxation laws.

Prioritizing Responsible Gambling

The Nigerian market for gambling is expanding, and there has to be greater emphasis placed upon promoting safe gambling behavior. This emphasis is necessary to ensure gamblers are safe and healthy because there are risks that lead to addiction and issues regarding finances. Paripesa and other betting platforms are likely to introduce features to regulate responsible gambling like limiting amount you can deposit, spending limits on stakes, and create educational resources to promote safe betting.

Mobile Betting Growth

Many people within the Nigerian population use smartphones to access the internet, so mobile betting will be highly popular in 2025. Operators will likely undertake to optimize their mobile sites and platforms for users.

Adoption of Cryptocurrency

As cryptocurrencies are becoming increasingly popular globally, there are strong chances that Nigerian online betting websites will start to support cryptocurrencies as an option for payment. This will certainly appeal to the tech-literate population, providing gamers an option to remain anonymous along with lowering the cost of transactions.

How Significant Is the Expected Growth in Nigeria Betting Industry In 2025?

With its anticipated expansion indicating significant economic, social, and technological effects, Nigeria’s betting sector is on track for an important shift in 2025.  The following are a few of the reasons influencing this projected growth:

  • Increase in size of user engagement
  • Educational acceptance
  • Investment and sponsorship
  • Profit making magnitude
  • Digital economy growth
  • Adopting of cryptocurrency

Conclusion

Nigeria’s betting sector appears to have a bright future in 2025, as notable developments are influencing its course. As Paripesa and other platforms adjust to these developments, they will be essential in improving user experiences, encouraging responsible gaming, and guaranteeing regulatory compliance.

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Patrice Motsepe Secures Second Term As CAF President

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Patrice Motsepe

By Adedapo Adesanya

South African billionaire, Mr Patrice Motsepe, has been re-elected unopposed as the President of Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The 63-year-old businessman, who has been CAF president since 2021, had announced his decision to stand again in October 2024.

His re-election for another four-year reign was confirmed at the CAF extraordinary general assembly in Cairo on Wednesday, where FIFA president, Mr Gianni Infantino, was in attendance.

Mr Motsepe, a mining magnate, who also owns South African club, Mamelodi Sundowns, had said he was looking to continue the “good progress” he had made since coming to office four years ago.

This re-appointment means he would serve a second four-year term as CAF boss.

Mr Motsepe was elected by acclamation in Morocco four years ago, succeeding Malagasy Ahmad Ahmad, who had been suspended by FIFA over financial misconduct.

Mr Ahmad had become the first CAF president to be banned by FIFA.

Since then, the African football body has grown financially, making a $72 million (£55.5 million) profit from last year’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), 18 times bigger than that generated by the previous edition in 2022.

Speaking on the re-election, CAF secretary general, Mr Veron Mosengo-Omba, credited Mr Motsepe with improving the finances and governance of the organisation.

“Patrice was a gift for African football. In 2021 CAF was a toxic body. He brought good governance to all levels of the organisation,” Mr Mosengo-Omba said ahead of the meeting.

Also, former Cameroon football star, Mr Samuel Eto’o, was elected to the CAF executive committee by acclamation in Cairo on Wednesday as he was the lone candidate from the central Africa region.

The 44-year-old became eligible only last week after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) overturned a CAF ban on the ex-Barcelona, Inter Milan and Chelsea forward.

Mr Eto’o, who is Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) president, now joins the supreme decision-making body in Africa.

The CAF ban of Eto’o came last year after the three-time Champions League winner was found guilty by the Cairo-based organisation of an ethics breach.

Last July, CAF said the Cameroonian had “seriously violated the principles of ethics, integrity and sportsmanship” by becoming a brand ambassador for a betting organisation.

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PG Soft Sponsors SiGMA Africa for Growth Strategy

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PG Soft

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

As part of its growth strategy, a world-class digital mobile games company, PG Soft, has sponsored the SiGMA Africa event which commenced on Tuesday in Cape Town, South Africa.

The organisation disclosed that this sponsorship reinforces its ongoing support for SiGMA and its focus on Africa.

It noted further that the move underlines its commitment to the African iGaming market, a region playing an important part in the PG Soft’s growth strategy.

As part of the agreement, PG Soft will have two HD screen slots, displaying a total of four distinct 30-second videos. Two are indoor LED screens and two are outside LED screens presenting guests with the brand’s vibrant offerings.

Additionally, PG Soft’s banner and logo will feature prominently at the registration desk.

“Sponsoring the standout SiGMA Africa reflects our commitment to the region’s vibrant iGaming landscape and our belief in its immense growth potential,” PG Soft’s spokesperson commented.

The South African iGaming scene has risen to become a serious force on the continent, renowned for its savvy entrepreneurs, trailblazing innovators, and pioneering thinkers.

As the sector evolves, PG Soft’s support highlights the company’s vision of engaging with this dynamic market.

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