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.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
On Saturday, July 18, 2026, Team Drogba Global Africa claimed its first E1 victory in Monaco, moving to sixth on the table with 59 points.
It defeated Team Brady, which came second over the week, though it leads the championship with 119 points, nine points more than the second on the log, Westbrook Racing by Visit Angola.
Kiwi Micah Wilkinson and his Spanish teammate Tara Pacheco combined to put together a memorable performance and secure a long-awaited first visit to the top step.
Drogba’s best result of the season so far had been seventh in Lake Como, but something clicked in the Principality, and the victory has moved them up to sixth overall.
Home heroes Team Monaco had set the fastest time in qualifying and were leading the way, but they made a wrong turn on the course, which consigned them to join Westbrook in the Place Race. Will Smith’s team took a damage-limiting victory, leaving them in seventh at the end of the day.
But the Finals were both dominated by Drogba. In Final 1, with Tara Pacheco at the wheel, they finished just ahead of Emma Kimiläinen’s Brady E1 RaceBird. The battle resumed in Final 2 and, on this occasion, Micah held off Sam Coleman. Timmy Hansen came through to finish third for Miami to secure their first podium in 13 races.
Micah Wilkinson was also rewarded with PIF Pilot of the Day for his performance in Final 2.
Hosted at the world-renowned Yacht Club de Monaco, the Championship’s third visit to the Principality once again transformed Port Hercule into one of the world’s most spectacular sporting venues.
E1 now heads to its first foray in Southern Africa for the E1 Luanda GP 2026, Angola, on September 12 to 13.
“Huge congratulations to everyone at Team Drogba on securing a remarkably assured maiden victory here in Monaco. We leave with a new Championship leader in Team Brady, with Will Smith’s team in close contention.
“The Principality once again delivered an extraordinary weekend of thrilling on-water action to reinforce our belief that E1 is creating a new chapter in global motorsport. We now head to Angola, Africa, for the next round as the Championship battle intensifies,” the chief executive of E1, Mr Jamie Copas, said.
By Dipo Olowookere
Spain put one past Argentina to clinch their second FIFA World Cup trophy in New Jersey, USA, on Sunday night.
Ferran Torres put the only goal of the match in the back of the South American’s net in the 106th minute after both teams could not settle scores in normal time.
The Argentines, led by Lionel Scaloni, were reduced to 10 men in added time of the second half after Enzo Fernández got his second yellow card for a tackle on Spain’s Pau Cubarsí.
Lionel Messi could not inspire his team to victory in the final watched by the President of the United States, Mr Donald Trump, as the Europeans dominated the match, with Argentina not having a shot on or off target before the extra time.
The 2022 FIFA World Cup champions only managed to show signs of pressing after the winners of the 2010 edition in South Africa scored a minute after the resumption of the second half of the extra 30 minutes.
The win by Luis de la Fuente’s men left Lionel Messi teary after the match. This could be his last World Cup as he turned 39 this year.
The next FIFA World Cup in 2030 goes to Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. This year’s edition was hosted by the trio of the USA, Canada, and Mexico. The Mundial kicked off on June 20, 2026, and ended on July 19, 2026, with 48 teams participating, more than the usual 32 teams of the previous editions.
On July 23, Nigeria’s main grassroots tournament kicks off: players from the top 100 teams across five divisions of Lagos will compete for the championship title, a generous prize pool, the prestige of their home communities, and their dream of signing their first contract with a professional club.
1xCup has helped many talented players make a name for themselves. Thanks to their standout performances at the tournament, more than 30 footballers have earned spots on professional teams in Nigeria, Bulgaria, Norway, Albania, North Macedonia, and many other countries.
1xCup top success stories
From their debuts in the NPFL and second-tier European leagues to call-ups to the Nigeria national team, the stories of 1xCup graduate players could easily serve as the script for a new Hollywood sports drama. Defensive midfielder Adeoye Aderemi Jacob was named one of the top breakout stars of the 1xCup 2025. His dedication and energy helped the Naths Boys reach the tournament’s final four and caught the attention of Ikorodu City scouts. Adeoye Aderemi Jacob quickly adapted to the professional level and even earned a call-up to the Nigeria national team for friendly matches against Zimbabwe and Jamaica as part of their preparations for the.
Several 1xCup graduates have built successful careers in Europe. Martins Idowu plays in Serbia, Peter Ahisu in Bulgaria, and Okere Ebube in North Macedonia. Lawani Clinton, Bada Moses, and Raheem Ibrahim Ogede have continued their football careers with professional clubs in Nigeria. Meanwhile, Nwana Okechukwu and Kayode Akinyemi are representing their homeland in the Egyptian and Beninese leagues.
The 1xCup 2026 will continue this mission. Starting with the knockout stage, scouts from professional clubs will be in attendance at the tournament’s matches. This means that every participant will have a chance to prove themselves, get noticed by experts, and perhaps write a new chapter in their football history.
1xCup 2026 is open to everyone
Nigeria’s most prestigious grassroots tournament has helped football talent shine and demonstrated that our country is capable of organizing large-scale sports events. The list of participants in the qualification was made publicly available, and every fan can follow the match results and the standings on the official 1xCup Instagram page.
The tournament’s matches are drawing huge interest from viewers, so the organizers have expanded their media coverage. The 1xCup Podcast is set to launch very soon, featuring well-known figures from Nigeria’s football community who will discuss the main storylines and standout players of the fourth season, as well as share exclusive insights with fans.
Watch from the front row as the next generation of football stars is born, and follow the action from the grassroots tournament on the official 1xcup.ng website or on the project’s Instagram page.
