Sports
The Cost of Missing Out on the FIFA World Cup
The FIFA World Cup is one of the biggest sporting events around, and there is a certain sadness and disappointment when you do not get to participate.
Footballers rue missing the chance to showcase their talents alongside the best in the world, while it is also a downer for fans who are unable to feel the passion of cheering their country at the global showpiece.
However, while fans and players are mourning Nigeria’s absence from the Qatar 2022 World Cup, there is also a financial cost to consider. The World Cup is big business and provides several avenues for making money.
The World Cup is more than just 32 teams vying for a golden trophy. It is also about tourism, culture and investment, all of which are revenue-generating ventures both for the host nation and participating countries.
Financial Implications of Nigeria’s Absence From the World Cup
While Nigerians were reeling from the shock of missing out on the World Cup, one man’s attention was drifting elsewhere. According to the then NFF president Amaju Pinnick, one of his first thoughts after the final whistle was the financial loss on groups who had direct or indirect plans on leveraging on the Super Eagles’ qualification.
Nigeria is a country accustomed to attending the World Cup, and the consequence of missing the tournament is substantial. One group that will be counting the loss of the Super Eagles’ absence from Qatar is sportswear maker Nike, who had a plan worth millions of dollars linked to the release of a new National team jersey.
Although Nigeria failed to impress at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, there was still a buzz around the team. The team jersey for the World Cup that year was one of the highlights of the entire tournament, creating a frenzy more suited to one of the game’s bigger names.
Featuring a design that set it apart from all the others, Nigeria’s jersey in Russia was a big hit. It became a must-have that summer and sold out almost immediately.
There were reports that Nike received at least three million pre-orders for the jersey, which was worth $90. There were also long queues at the company’s stores all over the world on the day of its release, and it sold out minutes after it was made available.
Fast forward four years and Nigeria’s absence from the World Cup means a major loss in what could have accrued to the NFF. Nike has released the jerseys, but there was less fanfare than in 2018, which automatically means lesser sales.
It is believed that the contract with Nike gives Nigeria about 8% of royalties from each shirt sold plus a further $1 million in bonus fees if they had made the group stage. All this just means the Super Eagles’ absence has cost the NFF and Nike a massive windfall.
Beyond shirt sales, FIFA also provides a certain amount to all the qualified teams just for playing in the World Cup. That figure is believed to be around $12.5 million, which is made available long before the tournament and is expected to help with preparations, camping and other expenses.
Individual Cost of Nigeria’s Absence From Qatar
It is not just big corporations like Nike and the NFF who are counting the loss of Nigeria’s absence from Qatar. There are small and private businesses that are now set to miss out on increased customer traffic both in Nigeria and Qatar.
There’s also the average Nigerian football betting fan who would have been looking forward to profiting off the team by betting on their matches at the World Cup.
Nigerians searching for the best betting apps for outright odds can make a pick from the options available on websites like Betting Apps Nigeria.
From makers of World Cup gear and paraphernalia to sports bars and travel agencies, all of whom would have benefited from an increase in patronage, everyone is looking at diminished income with Nigeria missing the tournament.
And then there are Nigerians in Qatar, who would have provided certain services for their compatriots travelling for the tournament. From hospitality, cuisine and even transportation services, a lot of people are set to take a financial hit.
Conclusion
Football is a money-generating sport, and the World Cup is at the top of that particular pyramid. Beyond pride and passion, the consequences of not having your country at the global showpiece cannot be overlooked.
Both individually and on a wider scale, from small businesses to major corporations, everyone will feel the effect of Nigeria’s absence from the World Cup.
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.
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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
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Why Slots Are a Favorite Among People
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Features of the Best Slots
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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
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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.
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Real-Time Interaction: Chat with dealers and other players to create a social atmosphere.
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Variety: Enjoy games like live blackjack, baccarat, and game show-inspired titles like “Crazy Time.”
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Online casinos often attract players with enticing bonuses and promotions. These offers can significantly enhance your gameplay if used wisely.
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How to Choose the Best Bonus
Read the Terms and Conditions: Understand the wagering requirements beforehand.
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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.
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.
The race for the first silverware of the 2024/25 season intensifies as Premier League leaders Liverpool and second-placed Arsenal will be in Carabao Cup semifinal action this midweek.
Arsenal will host Newcastle United in the first leg at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, while Liverpool travel to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Wednesday. Both matches will be broadcast live on GOtv Channel 65 at 9 PM.
Fresh from their impressive 2-1 victory over Tottenham on Saturday, Newcastle will aim to build on their momentum and secure a favorable result ahead of the second leg at St. James’ Park. The Magpies have already defeated Arsenal 1-0 earlier this season, and another strong performance could leave the Gunners with a steep hill to climb in the second leg.
Newcastle will be without their influential captain, Bruno Guimarāes due to suspension, while Arsenal battle with illness issues in the squad which has seen Kai Havertz miss the last two matches.
Arsenal, who haven’t lifted the Carabao Cup in 31 years, view this competition as a vital chance for silverware, especially with their league title hopes fading.
On the other side of North London, Tottenham Hotspur face defending champions Liverpool, hoping to avoid a repeat of their 6-3 thrashing by their visitors just 17 days ago. Spurs have managed just one win in their last eight matches at home in all competitions—a narrow 4-3 victory over Manchester United in the quarterfinal. Their last taste of silverware came 17 years ago when they won this competition.
Meanwhile, Liverpool, who have lost just one match all season, are chasing an ambitious quadruple. A victory over Spurs on Wednesday would put them on the brink of securing a spot in the final at Wembley.
Football fans can enjoy all Carabao Cup matches, Premier League, Serie A, Laliga and Champions League action live by reconnecting or upgrading to the GOtv Super Plus package. Simply dial *288# to renew or upgrade your subscription.
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