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Paris 2024 Olympics: Costs of Travel, Hotels, Daily Life, Tickets – Guide for Nigerian Fans

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paris 2024 olympics

By Robert Blaszczyk

How much do you have to spend to go to the Olympics in Paris

NBA stars, tennis champions, athletics – the queen of sport – and a myriad of other top-level sports, all in one of Europe’s most beautiful capitals. There are plenty of reasons for fans to head to Paris for the Olympic Games between 26 July and 11 August. We advise you on how to get to the sporting arenas and how much travel, hotels, and on-site living might cost.

Tickets for the Olympic Games

The organisers of the XXXIII Summer Olympics in Paris prepared nearly 10 million tickets for individual events. Mostly, they were sold out months before the athletes began competing, even though the prices may have seemed high. The best seats for the final basketball game cost 980 EUR each, which is about 1.6 million Nigerian naira. The athletics or swimming final sessions were equally expensive, but that was still not much compared to the premium tickets for the opening ceremony. The most expensive seats were priced at 2,700 EUR or 4.4 million naira. Of course, the rival Olympic athletes can also be admired by paying much less. Cheaper tickets for canoeing, for example, were priced at 79 EUR (about 129,000 NGN), and the least attractive seats for the closing ceremony were priced at 45 EUR (about 73,400 NGN).

“The official ticket distribution channel paris24tickets.com is still available to hunt for seats, where reservations are released for various reasons. Tickets are also available on services not authorised by The International Olympic Committee,” points out Robert Blaszczyk, Head of Strategic Client Department at fintech Conotoxia.

Prices in Paris

Average prices and cost of living in Paris are much higher than in Nigeria. Examples from supermarkets: a litre of milk in the store – 1.40 EUR (about 2.3 thousand NGN), 12 eggs – 4.7 EUR (about 7.7 thousand NGN), a 1.5-litre bottle of mineral water – 0.95 EUR (about 1.5 thousand NGN), beer – 2.3 EUR (about 3.75 thousand NGN). For a meal for two in a medium-priced restaurant, you will pay around 70 EUR (114 thousand NGN), a set in a fast food chain costs 12 EUR (about 19.5 thousand NGN), a coffee in a cafe – 4.3 EUR (about 7 thousand NGN), and a beer in a pub – 7 EUR (about 11.4 thousand NGN).

During the Olympic Games, one must expect increased prices for accommodation. For a weekend stay for two people (including the event ceremony), it is difficult to find offers below 750 thousand NGN, proposals twice as expensive prevail – from 1.5 million NGN, or more than 900 EUR.

“Transport also seems relatively expensive. A several-kilometre taxi ride is an expense of several euros, renting a car for 24 hours – about 30 EUR (about 49 thousand NGN), and a ticket for a single ride on public transport costs 2.15 EUR (about NGN 3.5 thousand),” the Conotoxia expert calculates.

To celebrate the Olympics, fans can benefit from the Paris 2024 Pass, a card that allows unlimited rides. Options will be available for one, two, three, four, five, six, and seven days. Prices range from 16 to 70 EUR (26,117-114,264 naira).

The app will show the way

All the Olympic venues (25 of them – 13 in Paris and 12 on the outskirts) will be connected by a mass public transport system capable of carrying 500,000 people daily. The Transport Public Paris 2024 app, specially developed for the Olympics and available in six languages (French, English, Spanish, Portuguese, German and Italian), should prove very useful for using the underground, buses and trams. It will suggest the best routes for fans and provide real-time information on traffic jams. It will also enable the purchase of virtual tickets on both Android and iOS devices. There are also expected to be 400 free buses moving fans along potentially the most popular routes.

Be careful where you exchange your currency

France has been a member of the Eurozone for more than 20 years, and the average exchange rate of the European currency remains at around 1,618.80 NGN.

“When exchanging naira to euros, it’s worth avoiding mistakes that can increase the cost of your trip. Stationary exchange offices, especially those at airports or in city centres, often offer unfavourable rates and high spreads, i.e. the difference between the purchase and sale price of the currency. Using an ordinary debit or credit card abroad for non-cash payments also exposes you to uncontrollable commissions. A multi-currency card seems to be a much more convenient and advantageous way to pay in other countries. You can top it up on an ongoing basis, keeping your expenses in check, but also withdraw money from ATMs with it. Cash can come in handy, for example, in some Parisian bars, restaurants or bakeries, where it is not possible to pay by card,” warns Robert Blaszczyk of Conotoxia.

Sports fans heading to Paris who prefer cashless payments should remember that VISA remains the exclusive payment technology partner and the only card accepted at the Olympic and Paralympic Games until 2032.

Budget for an Olympic weekend or week

Two people will fly from Abuja to Paris and back for about 2.8 million NGN. They will spend about 1.6 million NGN on two nights’ accommodation during the Olympics, food, transportation and the purchase of small Olympic souvenirs. A separate issue seems to be tickets to the Olympic arenas, where expenses can range from 100 to 1,000 euros, or about 163,000 NGN to about 1.63 million NGN. If time permits, you should include a budget for sightseeing in Paris as well, such as an ascent of the iconic Eiffel Tower – about 29.4 EUR (about 48 thousand NGN). In total, an average budget of about 2.2-2.6 million NGN can be estimated. A week-long stay cheering on the Games and exploring the attractions of the French capital could prove to be more than twice as expensive, reaching about 4.5-5.5 million Nigerian naira for two people.

Robert Blaszczyk works with Conotoxia

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Top 5 Practical Ways to Use AI to Better Understand Betting on 1xBet

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AI tools like ChatGPT are becoming part of everyday life. In betting, AI can also be useful, especially for users who want to understand markets, rules, and terminology more clearly before placing a wager.

At 1xBet, player education remains an important part of the overall experience. That approach is also reflected in 1xBalance, a project focused on responsible betting, self-awareness, and practical learning tools for players. Alongside educational content, the project includes a self-assessment test and a calculator, helping users better understand their habits and make more structured decisions. In this context, AI becomes another useful modern tool: not for chasing unrealistic outcomes, but for learning how betting works more clearly and responsibly.

1. Use AI to explain betting terms in simple language

One of the most practical uses of AI is turning betting vocabulary into plain language. Many users see terms like Asian Handicap, Double Chance, Both Teams to Score, or Accumulator without fully understanding what they mean.

Instead of guessing, they can ask AI for a short explanation.

Example prompt:
Explain the betting term “Asian Handicap” in simple words for a beginner.

This is especially useful for newer players on 1xBet who want to understand the logic behind a market before making a decision.

2. Ask AI to compare similar bet types

Some markets look similar, but work differently. That is where mistakes often happen. A user may confuse Draw No Bet with Double Chance, or Over 2.5 with Team Total Over 2.5.

AI can help compare these options side by side.

Example prompt:
What is the difference between Draw No Bet and Double Chance?

This kind of clarification supports smarter, more informed use of the platform and fits naturally with the educational purpose of 1xBalance.

3. Use AI together with the 1xBalance calculator

AI can explain concepts, but practical planning also matters. That is where the 1xBalance calculator becomes especially useful. Once a player understands a market, the calculator can help them think more carefully about stake sizing and structure.

AI can be used to understand the logic of bankroll management, while the calculator helps apply that thinking in a more practical way.

Example prompt:
Explain bankroll management in simple terms and how a calculator can help me plan my bets more carefully.

Used together, these tools support a more disciplined betting approach and reduce the chance of impulsive decisions.

4. Use AI to understand rules and support responsible betting

Promotional terms, market rules, and betting conditions can sometimes feel technical or too long. AI can help summarize key points in simpler language.

Example prompt:
Summarize these betting rules in plain language and tell me the key conditions.

At the same time, 1xBet encourages players to combine tools like AI with official resources such as 1xBalance, where the focus is not only on betting mechanics, but also on awareness, balance, and informed play. AI can simplify information, but the final reference point should always remain the official platform rules.

5. Use AI together with the 1xBalance test to reflect on habits

AI can also support self-reflection. Players can ask it to help organize a betting journal, review decision-making patterns, or think more clearly about their habits over time.

That connects well with the 1xBalance self-assessment test, which gives users a chance to reflect on how they approach betting and whether their habits remain balanced.

Example prompt:
Help me create a simple betting journal to track my stake, market, result, and reason for the bet.

In this way, AI, the 1xBalance test, and the calculator all serve the same broader purpose: helping players stay informed, structured, and more conscious of their decisions.

Final thought

AI can make betting on 1xBet easier to understand, especially for users who want more clarity around terms, rules, and market logic. At the same time, 1xBet continues to invest in player education through 1xBalance, a project built around responsible betting and practical support tools.

The 1xBet platform offers many useful features, including access to detailed statistics, generous bonuses, and other activities. With AI tools, you can quickly learn about all the available functions and better understand how the website and mobile apps work.

Used together, AI, the 1xBalance test, and the calculator help create a more informed experience. The strongest approach is simple: use modern tools to learn, use official 1xBet information to verify, and treat understanding as the foundation of responsible betting.

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2026 Ecobank National Schools’ Team Chess Championship Starts May 7

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2026 Ecobank National Schools’ Team Chess Championship

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

About 1,500 pupils and students from 300 schools nationwide will participate in the 2026 Ecobank National Schools’ Team Chess Championship.

The event will be held from May 7–8, 2026, at the Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC), Lagos, according to a statement from the financial institution, which also assured that all arrangements have been concluded to make the contest memorable.

The Ecobank National Schools’ Team Chess Championship is organised in partnership with the Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF) and SchoolMate.

The 2025 edition, its third, witnessed a significant growth in participation, with over 2,500 students from 450 schools participating.

Speaking ahead of the tournament, Ecobank’s Segment Head for Education, Faith and Social Services, Mr Adekunle Adewuyi, said the bank remains committed to scaling the championship as a pathway for developing Nigeria’s next generation of intellectual and strategic leaders.

According to him, the championship has evolved into a strong national platform for nurturing talent and promoting critical thinking among young Nigerians.

“This championship has become a leading national platform for identifying and nurturing emerging chess talents.

“Chess is a powerful educational tool; it sharpens critical thinking, problem-solving and discipline. Through this initiative, we are preparing young Nigerians not just for competition, but for leadership roles in the future,” Mr Adewuyi said.

He described the tournament as a rapidly growing, award-winning scholastic competition that attracts thousands of students annually and promotes intellectual development while fostering future chess grandmasters.

Also speaking, the Vice President of NCF, Mr Adeyinka Adewole Samuel, said the championship aligns with global standards set by the International Chess Federation (FIDE), which encourages countries to organise structured school-level competitions.

According to him, the tournament targets primary and secondary school students aged 7–18, as part of a deliberate strategy to build a sustainable pipeline of future grandmasters.

Mr Adeyinka disclosed that about 150 primary schools and 150 secondary schools are expected to participate this year, with each school fielding five players, bringing the total number of participants to approximately 1,500 students from about 15 states, adding that the competition will feature a N20 million prize pool.

He also revealed that enhanced measures have been introduced to improve event delivery, including strict player eligibility checks, enhanced crowd control, and the deployment of 50 trained arbiters to guarantee fairness and transparency.

Highlighting the impact of the initiative, Mr Adeyinka noted that Nigerian students who emerged from the Ecobank championship have excelled at continental competitions.

“The growth has been phenomenal. When Nigeria competes at continental tournaments, many of the standout players are alumni of the Ecobank championship. We won a gold medal last year in Uganda, and that success is strongly linked to what Ecobank has done,” he said.

On his part, the Marketing Head of SchoolMate Nigeria, Mr Ambesh Kumar, said the company partnered with the initiative to support youth development through education and sport, noting that chess helps children build discipline, focus and strategic thinking.

“We are passionate about quality education for children, and we see this tournament as a veritable means of advancing that cause. Last year, we distributed books to the children, and this year marks our first involvement as a co-sponsor.

“SchoolMate has operated in Nigeria for several years, and we see this chess championship as a meaningful way of giving back to society,” Mr Kumar stated.

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European League Weekend Delivers High-Stakes Clashes Live on SuperSport

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League football across Europe enters a defining stretch, with title races tightening and battles for European places and survival intensifying. From England to Spain, Italy and France, key fixtures could shape the final weeks of the season. Watch it all live on SuperSport on DStv and GOtv.

Premier League: Title Pressure, Derby Spotlight, Survival Fight

The title race remains finely poised, with Arsenal narrowly ahead of Man City, while the relegation battle continues to tighten.

Saturday’s fixtures see Brentford host West Ham at 3:00 p.m., with the visitors looking to build on a vital win that kept them above the drop zone. At the same time, Newcastle face Brighton, live on SS Football (GOtv Ch. 61, DStv Ch. 205), as both sides chase momentum in a congested mid-table. Arsenal then take on Fulham at 5:30 p.m., with the leaders aiming to maintain their advantage despite midweek exertions.

Sunday is headlined by the North-West Derby at 3:30 p.m. as Man United host Liverpool, with both sides looking to  secure their Champions League spot. Later, Aston Villa meet Tottenham at 7:00 p.m., with Villa chasing a top-four return after their recent slip and Spurs fighting to get out of the relegation zone.

On Monday, Chelsea face Nottingham Forest at 3:00 p.m., seeking to arrest a poor league run of five straight defeats, before Man City visit Everton at 8:00 p.m., where victory is essential in the title chase.

All Premier League matches air live on SS Premier League (DStv Ch. 203, GOtv Ch. 65)

La Liga: Title Within Reach, Top-Four Race Tightens

Barcelona’s lead leaves them on the brink of another league title, but the race for Champions League places remains open below them.

On Saturday, Villarreal host Levante at 1:00 p.m. looking to secure their third position before Atletico Madrid visit Valencia at 3:15 p.m., balancing league priorities with European commitments. Barcelona travel to Osasuna at 8:00 p.m., aiming to extend their winning run.

Sunday features Real Betis against Real Oviedo at 5:30 p.m., with Betis targeting the top four, while Real Madrid face Espanyol at 8:00 p.m. looking to restore confidence. Sevilla and Real Sociedad conclude the round on Monday at 8:00 p.m.

La Liga matches air live on SS La Liga (DStv Ch. 204, GOtv Ch. 62).

Serie A: Champions League Race Intensifies

Inter remain in control at the top, but the battle for European places is tightening.

Saturday sees Como host Napoli at 5:00 p.m. in a key clash for the last Champions League spot, while Atalanta face Genoa at 7:45 p.m. needing a response from their inconsistent form.

On Sunday, AC Milan travel to Sassuolo at 2:00 p.m., Juventus meet Verona at 5:00 p.m., and Inter host Parma at 7:45 p.m. Roma round off the fixtures against Fiorentina on Monday at 7:45 p.m., with top-four implications.

Serie A matches are broadcast live on SS Africa 2 (DStv Ch. 208, GOtv Ch. 64).

Ligue 1: Podium Battle Takes Focus

PSG remain favourites for the title, but the race for Champions League places is wide open.

Marseille face Nantes at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, before PSG host Lorient at 4:00 p.m. Nice take on RC Lens at 8:05 p.m., with Lens needing a strong result to stay in contention.

On Sunday, Lille host Le Havre at 2:00 p.m. before the standout fixture sees Lyon meet Rennes at 7:45 p.m., with both sides in strong form and separated by minimal margins in the race for a top-three finish.

Watch Ligue 1 matches 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

  • Brentford vs West Ham – Sat, 3:00 PM

  • Newcastle vs Brighton – Sat, 3:00 PM (SS Football)

  • Arsenal vs Fulham – Sat, 5:30 PM

  • Man United vs Liverpool – Sun, 3:30 PM

  • Aston Villa vs Spurs – Sun, 7:00 PM

  • Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest – Mon, 3:00 PM

  • Everton vs Man City – Mon, 8:00 PM

La Liga

  • Villarreal vs Levante – Sat, 1:00 PM

  • Valencia vs Atletico Madrid – Sat, 3:15 PM

  • Osasuna vs Barcelona – Sat, 8:00 PM

  • Real Betis vs Real Oviedo – Sun, 5:30 PM

  • Espanyol vs Real Madrid – Sun, 8:00 PM

  • Sevilla vs Real Sociedad – Mon, 8:00 PM

Serie A

  • Como vs Napoli – Sat, 5:00 PM

  • Atalanta vs Genoa – Sat, 7:45 PM

  • Sassuolo vs AC Milan – Sun, 2:00 PM

  • Juventus vs Verona – Sun, 5:00 PM

  • Inter vs Parma – Sun, 7:45 PM

  • Roma vs Fiorentina – Mon, 7:45 PM

Ligue 1

  • Nantes vs Marseille – Sat, 2:00 PM

  • PSG vs Lorient – Sat, 4:00 PM

  • Nice vs RC Lens – Sat, 8:05 PM

  • Lille vs Le Havre – Sun, 2:00 PM

  • Lyon vs Rennes – Sun, 7:45 PM

Catch Every Moment

As part of the Canal+ family, SuperSport remains committed to delivering world-class football coverage year-round from Europe’s biggest leagues to global showpieces such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Catch all the action live on SuperSport on DStv and GOtv, with matches 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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