Sports

The Cost of Missing Out on the FIFA World Cup

Published

3 years ago

14/10/2022

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.

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Sports

Senegal to Appeal AFCON Title Loss at Court of Arbitration for Sport

Published

8 hours ago

18/03/2026

Adedapo Adesanya

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Senegalese Football Federation has said it would appeal against the decision of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to strip it of the 2025 AFCON trophy at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

It called the decision “an unfair, unprecedented and unacceptable decision which brings discredit to African football”.

CAF on Tuesday night declared Morocco champions, following a walkout staged by the Senegal team, but later returned to defeat Morocco 1-0.

CAF, in a statement yesterday, said “the Senegal national team is declared to have forfeited the match,” a 1-0 victory in the final, “with the result being officially recorded as 3-0” in favour of Morocco.

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) said in a statement “its action was never intended to contest the sporting performance of the teams participating in this competition, but solely to request the application of the competition regulations”.

During the final on January 18, with the scoreline 0-0, Congolese referee Jean Jacques Ndala gave a spot-kick in the eighth minute of added time.

Ndala was advised by the video assistant referee (VAR) to consult the pitchside monitor and review defender El Hadji Malick Diouf’s challenge on Diaz.

Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw, still incensed by Ndala’s decision a few moments earlier to disallow a Senegal goal from Ismaila Sarr, ushered his team off the field.

The decision follows an appeal by the Moroccan FA, which CAF said is “declared admissible in form” and was upheld.

CAF added that “through the conduct of its team”, Senegal infringed on Article 82 of the regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations, and as a result, Article 84 became applicable.

Article 82 states that if a team refuses to play or leaves the ground before the end of regulation time without the referee’s authorisation, it will be considered the loser and eliminated from the competition.

Article 84 complements this provision, stating that any team that violates Article 82 will be permanently eliminated and will lose the match 3-0.

Sports

CAF Strips Senegal of 2025 AFCON Trophy, Gives Morocco

Published

13 hours ago

18/03/2026

Dipo Olowookere

By Dipo Olowookere

Senegal has been stripped of the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy it won on January 18, 2026.

In a statement on Tuesday night, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) said the trophy now belongs to Morocco, which hosted the tournament.

Senegal defeated Morocco by a lone goal to clinch the title in extra time after earlier leaving the pitch due to a penalty awarded to the host nation, which was later lost after a restart.

The penalty was awarded in the last minute of the match following a VAR check by Congolese referee, Jean-Jacques Ndala, after Brahim Diaz had been tugged to the ground by Senegal full back, El Hadji Malick Diouf.

The Senegalese team was not happy with the call because they had earlier been denied one against Morocco. The Teranga Lions’ coach, Pape Bouna Thiaw, ordered his players to leave the pitch in protest, but Sadio Mane persuaded them to return after a 14-minute delay, and when the spot kick was taken by Diaz, he played it into the hands of Édouard Mendy.

The game went into extra time, and in the 94th minute, Pape Gueye netted the only goal.

After the tournament, Morocco launched an appeal to void Senegal’s win, but lost as CAF said Articles 82 and 84 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations were not violated.

However, in a twist, the football governing body on the continent made a U-turn, declaring Morocco the 2025 AFCON champions.

It recorded the final match as 3–0 in favour of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF), setting aside the earlier decision of the CAF Disciplinary Board.

CAF upheld “the appeal lodged by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF)” and declared it “admissible,” agreeing that “Articles 82 and 84” were breached.

“The CAF Appeal Board further finds that the conduct of the Senegal team falls within the scope of Articles 82 and 84 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations,” a part of the statement read.

“In application of Article 84 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations, the Senegal team is declared to have forfeited the match, with the result recorded as 3–0 in favour of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF),” it further announced.

Sports

Premier League Clubs’ Fight for UCL Survival Live on SuperSport

Published

1 day ago

17/03/2026

Modupe Gbadeyanka

The UEFA Champions League Round of 16 concludes this week as the second-leg fixtures determine which teams will advance to the quarter-finals. All the key fixtures will be broadcast live on SuperSport across DStv and GOtv.

Tuesday: Rescue Missions and Defensive Masterclasses

Tuesday’s action begins at 6:45 pm as Sporting Lisbon hosts Bodo/Glimt. The Norwegian side produced one of the competition’s standout results with a 3–0 first-leg victory and will aim to protect that advantage in Lisbon, while Sporting must deliver a remarkable comeback to keep their European hopes alive. The match airs on SS Football Plus HD (DStv Ch. 202).

At 9:00 pm, Manchester City face Real Madrid in another high-profile encounter. Madrid holds a commanding 3–0 advantage after an impressive first-leg performance, leaving City with a daunting task at the Etihad Stadium against the most decorated club in the competition. The match will be shown on SS Football Plus HD (DStv Ch. 202).

Also at 9:00 pm, Chelsea welcomes Paris Saint-Germain to Stamford Bridge. PSG arrive with a 5–2 aggregate lead and the attacking quality to threaten on the counter, while Chelsea must produce a near-perfect performance to overturn the deficit. The match airs on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203).

At the same time, Arsenal take on Bayer Leverkusen with the tie finely balanced at 1–1. Both teams impressed in the first leg, and the decisive encounter at the Emirates Stadium promises a tightly contested tactical battle. Watch live on SS La Liga (GOtv Ch. 62, DStv Ch. 204).

Wednesday: Deciders Across Europe

Wednesday’s programme begins at 6:45 pm as Barcelona host Newcastle United with the aggregate score level at 1–1. Newcastle travel to Spain with renewed confidence after recent domestic victories, while Barcelona will rely on their experience and home support to push for qualification. The match airs on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203).

At 9:00 pm, Liverpool welcome Galatasaray to Anfield, trailing 1–0 from the first leg. With the tie still within reach, Liverpool must produce a strong performance at home to overturn the deficit against a Galatasaray side full of belief. The match will be shown on SS Football Plus HD (DStv Ch. 202).

Also at 9:00 pm, Tottenham face Atletico Madrid in North London. Atletico carry a commanding 5–2 advantage after the first leg and will look to rely on their defensive organisation, while Spurs must deliver an attacking display to keep the contest alive. The match airs on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203).

The night concludes in Munich, where Bayern Munich hosts Atalanta with a comfortable 6–1 aggregate lead. Bayern appear firmly in control of the tie, while Atalanta will aim to restore pride after a difficult first leg. Watch live on SS La Liga (GOtv Ch. 62, DStv Ch. 204).

Round of 16 – Second Leg Fixtures

Tuesday, 17 March

Sporting Lisbon vs Bodo/Glimt — 6:45 pm (SS Football Plus HD)
Manchester City vs Real Madrid — 9:00 pm (SS Football Plus HD)
Chelsea vs Paris Saint-Germain — 9:00 pm (SS Premier League)
Arsenal vs Bayer Leverkusen — 9:00 pm (SS La Liga)

Wednesday, 18 March

Barcelona vs Newcastle United — 6:45 pm (SS Premier League)
Liverpool vs Galatasaray — 9:00 pm (SS Football Plus HD)
Tottenham Hotspur vs Atletico Madrid — 9:00 pm (SS Premier League)
Bayern Munich vs Atalanta — 9:00pm (SS La Liga)

Catch Every Game

Catch all the UEFA Champions League action live on SuperSport on DStv and GOtv. Matches are also available to stream 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.