Sports
On the Go with Nigeria’s Favourite Sports and Games
Sport is hugely popular across Africa, and none more so than in Nigeria. Football is the most popular sport, as it is in the rest of the world, and Nigeria has produced many elite-level footballers and performed well at the FIFA World Cup.
But there are plenty of other sports that Nigerians love to play and watch, and with such a large and diverse population it’s no surprise. And like many other regions sports betting – a great way to add some more excitement into sport – is getting big in the country, with many options available such as the sports betting portal Betfromafrica.com. Let’s take a closer look at sports betting in Nigeria.
Sports betting in Nigeria
Online sports betting is soaring in popularity in Africa, and Nigeria is one of the biggest markets for mobile gambling. The National Lottery Regulatory Commission and the Lagos State Lottery Board were established to regulate online gambling (as well as sports betting, Nigerians enjoy the online casino experience) so the estimated 60 million people betting on sports can do so securely and safely. There are more than 40 betting sites within Nigeria offering odds on all kinds of sporting events, and as with bookmakers everywhere, there is a range of bets and types of bets to place with the most favourable conditions.
Popular sports in Nigeria
With a population that numbers over 211 million, Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, home to numerous ethnic groups with distinct cultures, so it’s inevitable that a wide variety of sports and pursuits are popular. Here are four examples of sports Nigerians are passionate about.
Football
Far and away the biggest sport in the country is football. Nigeria has its own Premier League, and many players have played in the big leagues of Europe. While the domestic league is very popular, many Nigerians enjoy watching and betting on the English Premier League, Bundesliga, La Liga and Serie A, amongst other major competitions and events.
Nigeria’s national football team, known as the “Super Eagles”, has made the World Cup on six occasions 1994, 1998, 2002, 2010, 2014, and 2018. The team won gold at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. Football is also played widely at an amateur level.
Basketball
Another popular sport is basketball. Again, the country has its own league – the NFP – It is contested by sixteen times divided into two conferences (Savannah and Atlantic). As with football, the NFP is popular but many fans and bettors enjoy NBA action and can place a wide range of bets at various odds to win some cash with wagers on the league.
Placing bets in Nigeria is easier and more fun than ever – many sites offer a welcome bonus for players and further promotions for making a deposit. Bet365 even have their own app which makes placing bets on the go even easier – you can also keep tabs on your potential winnings as well as special offers.
Dambe
Dambe is a martial art of the Hausa people, the largest ethnic group in Nigeria. Competitors in a typical match aim to subdue each other into total submission mostly within three rounds. The sport has become popular thanks to exposure on YouTube and efforts by Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development and is noted for its tough and brutal action.
Efforts to further popularise the sport were hampered by the recent pandemic, but it is still becoming a draw for spectators and bettors – many African bookmakers list the sport as an option.
Athletics
Track and field events are popular in Nigeria, and most schools offer training in many of these sports. The Olympics has given Nigerians some of the most exciting sporting moments, with Chioma Ajunwa taking gold in the long jump in Atlanta in 1996, and the men’s 4×400 meter relay team snatching gold in Sydney in 2000.
Although they were pipped to second by the Americans, the USA team was later disqualified moving Nigeria on to the top step of the podium. Many betting sites allow players to wager on athletic events, and some offer bonuses and promotions for their customers.
Sports betting in Nigeria has become a passion almost as big as the sport itself. And it’s no surprise, thanks to continually advancing tech with so many safe, secure and convenient places to play, Nigerian sports fans can rejoice.
Sports
WrestleMania 42 Hits GOtv as Cena Hosts WWE’s Biggest Event this Weekend
WWE’s biggest annual event returns this weekend as WrestleMania 42 takes over Las Vegas in a blockbuster two-night spectacle, with GOtv subscribers set for every twist, title clash, and surprise moment live on Channel 68.
Broadcast live from Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, April 18, and Sunday, April 19, this year’s edition comes with added intrigue as WWE legend John Cena serves as official host. Following his dramatic heel turn during his farewell run, fans will be watching closely to see whether Cena remains a neutral master of ceremonies or becomes a major factor in the chaos.
Cody Rhodes Faces Randy Orton in Night One Main Event
Night One is headlined by Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes defending against former ally Randy Orton.
Adding to the drama is a major stipulation: if Orton loses, broadcaster Pat McAfee must leave WWE. With pride, titles, and careers in play, the stakes could hardly be higher.
CM Punk vs Reigns Headlines Night Two
The biggest match of the weekend sees World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk defend his title against Roman Reigns in a clash loaded with pride, legacy, and unfinished business.
After Punk’s recent verbal shots at the Anoa’i family dynasty, Reigns enters WrestleMania determined to reclaim his place at the top. It is a meeting of two eras, with championship gold and reputation on the line.
Women’s Division Brings Heavy Firepower
One of the most anticipated contests of the weekend sees Jade Cargill defend the WWE Women’s Championship against Rhea Ripley, a battle between two of the most dominant forces in modern wrestling.
Night One also features Liv Morgan vs Stephanie Vaquer for the Women’s World Championship, while AJ Lee vs Becky Lynch adds star power to an already stacked card.
Other Must-Watch Matches
Fans can also look forward to:
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Brock Lesnar vs Oba Femi in a special attraction clash
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Seth Rollins vs Gunther in what many expect to be a technical classic
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Bron Breakker vs Trick Williams for the United States Championship
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A six-man ladder match for the Intercontinental Championship
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The Bloodline vs Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn
Watch Live on GOtv
WrestleMania 42 airs live on GOtv Channel 68 from 11:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday, with repeat broadcasts at 1:00 pm the following day.
From championship drama to shocking returns and Vegas-sized spectacle, WrestleMania weekend promises two nights of unforgettable entertainment on GOtv.
Sports
Man City-Arsenal Title Showdown Tops Weekend Football Live on SuperSport
Domestic football across England, Italy and France enters a defining weekend as title races tighten, European qualification battles intensify and relegation pressure grows. Fans can catch all the action live on SuperSport via DStv and GOtv.
Premier League: Title Showdown Takes Centre Focus
The Premier League delivers one of its biggest weekends of the season, headlined by a potentially decisive clash between Man City and Arsenal. Elsewhere, the race for Champions League places and the battle for survival continue to intensify.
Saturday begins at 12:30 p.m. as Brentford host Fulham in a West London derby. Brentford will look to end a run of draws, while Fulham aim to respond after defeat to Liverpool. With the table tightly packed, three points could significantly improve either side’s prospects.
At 3:00 p.m., Newcastle United welcome Bournemouth. Bournemouth arrive with confidence after a notable victory over Arsenal, while Newcastle seek a response after defeat to Crystal Palace.
Tottenham host Brighton at 5:30 p.m. in a high-pressure contest. Spurs have slipped into the relegation zone and urgently need points, while Brighton remain firmly in contention for European qualification.
The evening fixture at 8:00 p.m. sees Chelsea take on Man United. Both sides are looking to recover from disappointing defeats, with United chasing a top-four finish and Chelsea seeking to keep pace in the Champions League race.
Sunday opens with the Merseyside derby at 2:00 p.m. as Everton face Liverpool. Liverpool’s focus is now firmly on securing a top-four place, while Everton continue to battle for breathing space above the bottom three.
The headline fixture follows at 4:30 p.m. as Man City host Arsenal. Arsenal lead the table, but City’s form and games in hand make this one of the defining matches of the title race. Victory for either side could reshape the closing weeks of the season.
All Premier League matches air live on SS Premier League (DStv Ch. 203, GOtv Ch. 65).
Serie A: Inter Close In as Top-Four Race Heats Up
Inter Milan remain firmly in control of Serie A, while the battle for Champions League places remains highly competitive. Friday night begins with Inter Milan hosting Cagliari at 7:45 p.m. Inter continue to set the pace at the top and will expect to strengthen their advantage against a side battling near the bottom.
On Saturday at 5:00 p.m., Napoli face Lazio. Napoli remain second and will look to maintain their cushion over the chasing pack, while Lazio need points to revive their European hopes. Later at 7:45 p.m., Roma host Atalanta in a key clash between two sides chasing continental qualification. With little separating the teams, the stakes are significant.
Sunday’s action starts at 2:00 p.m. as Verona face AC Milan. Milan need an immediate response after a damaging defeat, while Verona continue their fight for survival. Juventus meet Bologna at 7:45 p.m. looking to strengthen their hold on a top-four place. Bologna, however, remain capable opponents and will aim to disrupt Juve’s momentum.
Serie A fixtures air live on SS Africa 2 (DStv Ch. 208, GOtv Ch. 64).
Ligue 1: PSG Lead as European Race Tightens
Paris Saint-Germain remain comfortably placed at the top of Ligue 1, but the battle for European positions below them remains fiercely contested. Friday opens at 7:45 p.m. with RC Lens against Toulouse. Lens need a quick response after a setback last time out, while Toulouse look to recover from a heavy defeat.
On Saturday at 4:00 p.m., Lorient host Marseille. Marseille currently occupy a key European place and know victory is essential in a tightly packed race. Later at 8:05 p.m., Lille face Nice. Lille arrive in strong form and could climb further with another positive result, while Nice seek consistency after recent struggles.
Sunday begins at 2:00 p.m. as Monaco host Auxerre. Monaco remain in the hunt for Europe but cannot afford further slip-ups. The weekend concludes at 7:45 p.m. with Paris Saint-Germain against Lyon. PSG remain favourites, but Lyon’s recent improvement makes this one of the standout fixtures of the round.
Ligue 1 matches air live 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 Fulham – Saturday, 12:30 PM
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Newcastle United vs Bournemouth – Saturday, 3:00 PM
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Tottenham Hotspur vs Brighton – Saturday, 5:30 PM
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Chelsea vs Man United – Saturday, 8:00 PM
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Everton vs Liverpool – Sunday, 2:00 PM
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Man City vs Arsenal – Sunday, 4:30 PM
Serie A
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Inter Milan vs Cagliari – Friday, 7:45 PM
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Napoli vs Lazio – Saturday, 5:00 PM
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Roma vs Atalanta – Saturday, 7:45 PM
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Verona vs AC Milan – Sunday, 2:00 PM
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Juventus vs Bologna – Sunday, 7:45 PM
Ligue 1
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RC Lens vs Toulouse – Friday, 7:45 PM
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Lorient vs Marseille – Saturday, 4:00 PM
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Lille vs Nice – Saturday, 8:05 PM
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Monaco vs Auxerre – Sunday, 2:00 PM
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Paris Saint-Germain vs Lyon – Sunday, 7:45 PM
Follow the Action
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 through the MyDStv or MyGOtv apps, visit www.dstv.com or www.gotvafrica.com, or dial *288# to stay connected.
Sports
Africa Caught Off-guard as Idris Elba Stuns with FIFA World Cup Message
SuperSport viewers across Africa were left stunned when normal programming was suddenly interrupted by Hollywood star Idris Elba, who delivered a message saying “Everything else can wait.”
Millions of DStv and GOtv viewers across Africa experienced the surprise interruption during prime-time viewing on 15 April 2026 at 7pm, including in the middle of live sport broadcast. Screens abruptly went black before a countdown appeared, followed by a familiar silhouette.
It was Idris Elba.
Ten Of Us Now
The award-winning actor addressed Africa directly with a message celebrating a historic football moment. Ten African nations have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the most ever.
“There are ten of us now,” Elba said in his unmistakable gravelly voice. “I honestly don’t care which one of us wins. I just want to see African football light up the world stage.”
“My mum is from Ghana, my dad is from Sierra Leone. But my heart is African,” said Elba, a global superstar who remains deeply connected to the continent. “That’s why I’m watching. Every. Single. Game.”
Africa’s Greatest World Cup?
The FIFA World Cup 2026™, hosted across Mexico, Canada and the USA, will see Africa represented by Ghana, South Africa, Senegal, Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire and DR Congo.
It is a milestone tournament, and SuperSport on DStv and GOtv is positioning itself as the home of every kick, goal and celebration.
“History doesn’t always tell you when it’s going to happen,” Elba continued. “But I’m here to tell you where it may happen. SuperSport. Only on DStv and GOtv. Everything else you thought you were going to be doing… it can wait.”
Energetic Big Brother Mzansi star Smash Afrika and the ever-stylish host of Big Brother Naija, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, are also starring in the wider DStv and GOtv FIFA World Cup campaign.
Every Match, Every Screen
All 104 FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches will be available live on SuperSport across DStv, DStv Stream, GOtv and GOtv Stream.
Viewers can follow the tournament through satellite TV or stream on phones, laptops and smart TVs, depending on their preference and connectivity.
Coverage will also include local language options, including pidgin, making the tournament more accessible to audiences across the continent.
The World Cup kicks off on 11 June 2026 with the opening ceremony in Mexico City, live on SuperSport. From the opening match to the final, fans across Africa will be able to follow every moment.
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