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.
By Henry Ovie
A one-day golf training and tournament specifically for girls has been fixed for Sunday, March 8, 2026, in Koko, in the Warri North of Delta State.
A statement from the organisers of the event, Canaan Land Golf Training and Tournament, disclosed that about 50 girls would be accommodated.
Tagged The Biggest Giving Day of the Year, the programme, according to the chief executive of Akogate Group, Mr Felix Aganbi, will entrench the attitude of excellence and develop young, highly quality golfers in terms of their golf quality and personal character.
He urged parents in Nigeria and abroad to allow their daughters to attend the event, saying it will build their confidence.
“The golf training and tournament will introduce girls to golf in a social and engaging environment. It will also help them build confidence, learn vital skills, and connect with others in a friendly community,” he was quoted as saying in the statement on Thursday.
The programme, which will take place at the Canaanland Golf and Country Club, celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political accomplishments of women as well as raises awareness for accelerated gender parity
“Open to girls in years 8-16, the training and tournament provide high-quality coaching to assist the girl child in pursuing excellence in the sport of golf,” Mr Aganbi noted, listing technical skill development, comprehensive fitness and mental conditioning as key features of the training.
“The girls will learn the basics of golf grip, stance, posture alignment, golf rules and etiquette. They will also be taken for an 18-hole playing lesson.
“The training and tournament will broaden opportunities for girls in Nigeria to realise their potential through education.
“Canaanland Country Club shall continue to encourage the education of females, improve the economic position of women and enhance their participation in matters relating to both the family and the society.
“It is also to join hands with the government in making our state a better place to live, campaign for the dismantling of systemic barriers and push for the power of reciprocity and abundant giving,” he disclosed.
Driven by Sir Alfred and Mrs Warami Temile, Mr Aganbi said the “club would continue to provide necessary assistance for the general development of people, especially those who live in the rural areas.”
In a related development, Mr Aganbi said the Oluremi Tinubu Golf Classic would take place on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Canaanland Golf and Country Club, Koko.
“The tournament will attract international talent, create opportunities for emerging players and motivate the next generation to see what is possible in the women’s game,” he stated, adding that over 75 women are expected to participate.
The event is another important step in strengthening the women’s game in Nigeria, delivering significant benefits to the Niger Delta, drawing women, officials and fans to Warri North and boosting tourism and hospitality industries in Delta State.
Aquafina took centre stage at the 11th edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon on 14 February 2026, rewarding the first ten groups to complete the 10-kilometre race with N1 million each. The initiative highlights the brand’s continued investment in fitness, wellness, and the spirit of collective achievement within Nigeria’s growing running community.
Under its campaign theme, “Run am with your Padi of Life,” Aquafina encouraged runners to participate alongside friends, teammates, and running crews, celebrating the role of support systems in pushing limits and sustaining performance.
Throughout the race, Aquafina ensured strong on-course visibility while providing hydration support to help participants maintain energy levels. Its on-ground activations added excitement for both runners and spectators, contributing to the vibrant atmosphere of the event.
By rewarding groups rather than individual runners, Aquafina spotlighted the value of shared goals and mutual accountability. The N1 million prize elevated the competitive energy of the 10km race while reinforcing the importance of collaboration within Nigeria’s evolving fitness culture.
Widely regarded as one of West Africa’s most prestigious road races, the marathon once again attracted elite athletes, recreational runners, corporate teams, and fitness enthusiasts from across the country and beyond. Within this high-energy environment, Aquafina positioned itself as a trusted hydration partner supporting endurance and peak performance.
Speaking after the race, Funso Elubeku, Assistant General Manager at Seven-Up Bottling Company (SBC), said:
“The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon represents resilience, discipline, and the power of community. Through Aquafina, we ensured participants remained hydrated while celebrating the teamwork and support that helped runners push beyond their limits. Rewarding the first ten finishers underscores our commitment to recognising dedication, performance, and personal achievement.”
Aquafina’s presence at the marathon underscores its broader mission to promote active lifestyles and support platforms that inspire healthier living, strengthening its connection with Nigeria’s fitness community through meaningful engagement.
Sports
Mourinho’s Return to Madrid, a Battle Between Ligue 1 Giants and more: Bet on the Key Champions League Matches!
On February 24 and 25, the knockout phase return legs of Europe’s most prestigious club tournament will take place. The best sports betting site 1xBet offers a wide selection of markets and the highest odds for these games. Place your bets responsibly via this link and win big!
Inter Milan vs Bodø/Glimt, February 24
The runners-up of last season’s Champions League are in danger of being knocked out of the competition in the knockout phase play-offs. In Bodø, Cristian Chivu’s team lost 1-3 on artificial turf, which Inter aren’t used to playing on. According to the Nerazzurri coach, the poor condition of the pitch was to blame.
Inter are in a difficult situation. However, the team has scored 11 goals in their last 3 home games and is quite capable of making a comeback. The bad news is that Lautaro Martínez will miss the match due to an injury sustained in Norway.
Bodø/Glimt are certainly not in a state of euphoria. After the match, head coach Kjetil Knutsen said that his team had delivered an average performance. If the Norwegians manage to maintain their lead in the return leg, this story will one day be made into a TV series.
W1 – 1.302, X – 6.96, W2 – 9.65
Paris Saint-Germain vs AS Monaco, February 25
0-2, a missed penalty and an injury to the team’s leader by the middle of the first half – it’s difficult to get back into the game after such a start, but not for Paris Saint-Germain, an official partner of 1xBet. In the first match against Monaco, the Parisians equalized before the half-time break and snatched victory in the second half.
Monaco showed that they can surprise any opponent, but in the 2nd leg, the home side will take to the pitch with maximum concentration from the very first minutes. The statistics don’t favor the Monégasques: they’ve only managed to win at PSG’s home ground once in the last 9 years.
Luis Enrique’s team is the clear favorite in the 2nd leg and will try to take another step towards defending its title.
W1 – 1.29, X – 6.55, W2 – 11.4
Real Madrid vs Benfica, February 25
José Mourinho returns to Madrid, but we won’t see him in the technical area. The Portuguese manager got a red card in the emotional match in Lisbon, but even that didn’t make him the star of the show. The glory went to Vinícius Júnior. The Brazilian scored a spectacular goal in the second half, danced provocatively around the corner flag with the Benfica crest, got insulted, and in the end, these events were discussed more than the game itself.
Despite the victory, Real Madrid didn’t look significantly stronger than their opponents. Every now and then, the Eagles took control of the ball and forced Thibaut Courtois to make some incredible saves.
Before the 1st leg, José Mourinho said he wanted the score in the first match to allow his team to fight for a spot in the next stage in Madrid. He got what he wanted, but there’s a feeling that most of his football magic went into Anatoliy Trubin’s goal in the league phase.
W1 – 1.494, X – 5.08, W2 – 6.7
Juventus vs Galatasaray, February 25
Luciano Spalletti had said that his team was going to Istanbul to win, but the final score of 2-5 leaves them with almost no chance of advancing to the round of 16. Barış Yılmaz utterly destroyed the opposition’s left wing, which is where most of the threats to Juventus’s goal came from.
Galatasaray won’t have a fiery support of the stands in Turin. However, the team is in excellent form: in their first 5 matches in February, the Lions have scored 20 goals.
Many believe that Juventus advancing to the next stage would be a miracle. However, in this Champions League campaign, Galatasaray have already lost 1-5 to Eintracht Frankfurt, who are far from being the strongest team, and the Bianconeri must have faith in their abilities.
W1 – 1.564, X – 4.925, W2 – 5.78
We hope that our preview will help you make successful predictions. Follow the principles of responsible gambling, place your bets on the best sports betting site 1xBet via this link and share the victory with your favorites!
SMM
🏆⚽ Bet on the Champions League knockout phase 2nd legs!
📅 The fate of the tickets to the round of 16 will be decided on February 24 and 25. We’ve compiled a list of the most interesting matches for you:
❓ Inter vs Bodø/Glimt: can last season’s runners-up come back from a 1-3 defeat in the 1st leg?
W1 – 1.302, X – 6.96, W2 – 9.65
🚀 Paris Saint-Germain vs Monaco: in the 1st leg, the Parisians came back from 0-2 down and are looking to take another step towards defending their title.
W1 – 1.29, X – 6.55, W2 – 11.4
🧤 Real Madrid vs Benfica: the Meringues won by a narrow margin in Lisbon, but their opponents cannot be underestimated – even the goalkeeper can score for José Mourinho’s team.
W1 – 1.494, X – 5.08, W2 – 6.7
🔮 Juventus vs Galatasaray: can Luciano Spalletti’s team pull off a miracle after a 2-5 defeat in Istanbul?
W1 – 1.564, X – 4.925, W2 – 5.78
💰 Bet and win with 1xBet!
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