Sports
The Rise of Second-Screening in Nigeria’s Olympic Fever
Millions of Nigerians will be glued to their screens, cheering on their favourite athletes in Paris, but over three-quarters of the audience won’t be content with just watching the television broadcast; they’ll be on social media making memes or researching little-known facts about the events and personalities.
Second-screening, which involves using a mobile device while watching TV, has become a nationwide phenomenon during major sporting events. As the Paris Olympics captivates the nation this year, this trend is expected to soar to new heights.
According to a recent study by GroupM, social media activity across Sub-Saharan Africa surged by 27% during the World Cup. A similar surge is anticipated during the Olympics.
This is in line with global trends demonstrated in Time Warner’s Medialab research group which delved into this topic, analysing 300 hours of people’s media consumption – spanning TV, web, smartphones, tablets, and print media – over 10 hours on weekdays and weekends. Their findings revealed that users switch between platforms every other minute.
Gen Z, in particular, showed impressive multitasking behaviour, switching platforms nearly 30 times per hour. Notably, this behaviour enhances emotional engagement and favourability toward advertisers.
“The second screen isn’t just a distraction; it’s an integral part of the viewing experience for Nigerians,” says Stanislaus Martins, Aleph‘s Managing Director for West Africa. “It’s how we share our excitement, connect with friends, and even discover new products.”
Nigeria will only have women representation for their top sport in Paris. The soccer team will enter Group C in Paris 2024, joining Spain, Japan and Brazil. It will be the fourth Olympics for the Super Falcons, the most of any African nation, and their first appearance since Beijing 2008.
That they reached the tournament at the expense of African champions South Africa will attract more eyeballs.
“Brands that understand this multi-screen behaviour have a golden opportunity to engage with a captive and passionate audience,” adds Martins. “A McKinsey report highlighted that 72% of African consumers favour brands that champion local athletes and causes.”
With social media platforms gaining immense popularity, particularly among the under-35 demographic that constitutes over 60% of social media users in Sub-Saharan Africa, the potential for brand engagement is enormous.
Martins concludes, “As we cheer on our Olympic heroes, the second screen is transforming how we experience and interact with sports. It’s a trend that’s reshaping the media landscape and creating exciting new possibilities for brands to connect with Nigerian consumers.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons will be looking to bounce back when they face Zambia in their second Group C match at the ongoing WAFCON 2026 in Morocco, following a shock 3-2 defeat to Malawi in their opening game. The defending champions will be hoping to get their title defence back on track with a crucial result against the Copper Queens. All the matches of the tournament air live on SuperSport via DStv and GOtv.
Matchday two opened on Thursday with Senegal securing a 1-0 victory over Kenya, while hosts Morocco followed with another narrow win, defeating Algeria 1-0 to strengthen their position in Group A. The results leave Morocco and Senegal in a strong position as the group stage continues.
Friday, Group B action will see South Africa take on Ivory Coast at 6:00 pm, with the 2022 champions looking to respond after their surprise 2-1 defeat to Tanzania in their opening game. Ivory Coast, meanwhile, will be hoping to build on their impressive 4-1 victory over Burkina Faso and maintain their momentum in the competition.
Later at 9:00 pm, Burkina Faso will face Tanzania in another Group B encounter. Tanzania will be looking to continue their impressive start after their opening victory, while Burkina Faso will be searching for a response following their heavy defeat to Ivory Coast.
Saturday brings the next round of Group C fixtures, with Egypt taking on Malawi before Nigeria face Zambia. Malawi will enter their encounter with Egypt full of confidence after their historic 3-2 victory over the Super Falcons, while Egypt will be looking to recover from their opening defeat to Zambia.
The Super Falcons, meanwhile, will be aiming to bounce back when they face Zambia at 9:00 pm. Nigeria suffered a disappointing 3-2 defeat to Malawi in their opening game, while Zambia began their campaign in impressive fashion with a commanding 6-0 victory over Egypt. The encounter presents an important opportunity for Nigeria to get their campaign back on track, while Zambia will be looking to maintain their winning momentum.
Sunday’s action will bring Group D into focus, with Ghana facing Cameroon before Mali take on tournament debutants Cape Verde. Ghana started their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Cape Verde, while Cameroon secured a 2-1 win against Mali. Both sides will be looking to build on those results as the group stage continues.
Matchday 2 Upcoming Fixtures
Friday, July 31
South Africa vs Ivory Coast – 6:00 pm
Burkina Faso vs Tanzania – 9:00 pm
Saturday, August 1
Egypt vs Malawi – 6:00 pm
Nigeria vs Zambia – 9:00 pm
Sunday, August 2
Ghana vs Cameroon – 6:00 pm
Mali vs Cape Verde – 9:00 pm
SuperSport Brings All the Live Action
Catch every match of WAFCON Morocco 2026 live on SS Football (Ch. 202, GOtv Ch. 61) and SS Football Plus (DStv Ch. 202) on DStv and GOtv. Fans can also stream every match live on DStv Stream from ₦6,000, with no decoder or dish required.
Beyond WAFCON, sports fans can also catch the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, which is live every day on SuperSport across DStv and GOtv. New customers can get a DStv decoder, dish and one-month Compact subscription from ₦15,000, while existing customers can reconnect from ₦6,000 on DStv or ₦5,800 on GOtv. To subscribe or reconnect, visit DStv.com or GOtvAfrica.com, dial *288#, or use the MyDStv or MyGOtv app.
Serie A enters the 2026/27 season at a fascinating crossroads, where continuity and upheaval collide. Inter Milan stand as defending champions, but beneath their stability, the rest of Italy’s elite have been reshaped by sweeping managerial changes, bold transfers and renewed ambition. The result is a title race that feels wide open, despite Inter’s position at the summit.
Cristian Chivu remains the anchor of Inter’s project, a reward for delivering the club’s 21st Scudetto and restoring their dominance in Italian football. His extension signals belief in a long-term vision, built on tactical clarity and a unified dressing room. Yet the champions are not without questions. A defensive reshuffle following key departures adds an element of uncertainty, and how quickly Chivu can rebuild that foundation may define Inter’s title defence. Still, with the attacking core that powered last season’s triumph intact, they begin as the benchmark.
The challengers, however, are where the intrigue truly lies. Napoli turn to Massimiliano Allegri following Antonio Conte’s departure, a shift that suggests a move back toward pragmatism and control. Allegri’s experience is undeniable, but adapting quickly will be essential in a league that is evolving tactically. Meanwhile, AC Milan have undergone a dramatic reset of their own. Allegri’s exit after a disappointing campaign paved the way for Ruben Amorim, whose appointment represents a decisive break from the past and a commitment to a more modern, dynamic style. The arrival of Gonçalo Ramos adds firepower to a side desperate to reassert itself.
Roma may be the quiet contenders. Under Gian Piero Gasperini, they found rhythm and identity late last season, and crucially, they have chosen continuity over change. That decision could prove invaluable in a campaign where many rivals are still adapting. The permanent signing of Donyell Malen strengthens their attacking options, and if momentum carries over, Roma could emerge as genuine title disruptors.
Elsewhere, Juventus have moved decisively in the market, securing Loïs Openda after a successful loan spell. It is a statement of intent from a club eager to return to the summit. Lazio, under the fiery leadership of Gennaro Gattuso, promise intensity and edge, while Bologna’s appointment of Domenico Tedesco reflects a growing trend toward progressive, tactically flexible coaches across the league.
This is, unmistakably, a season defined by the dugout. Serie A is experiencing one of its most diverse and youthful coaching landscapes in years, with a new generation of ideas reshaping the competition’s identity. Systems are evolving, pressing structures are becoming more aggressive, and stylistic contrasts between teams are sharper than ever.
At the other end of the table, the return of Venezia, Frosinone and Monza adds fresh narratives. All three clubs know the demands of Serie A, and their recent top-flight experience could prove crucial in the battle for survival. Expect resilience, organisation and the occasional upset as they look to re-establish themselves among Italy’s elite.
Ultimately, the 2026/27 season feels like a turning point. Inter may hold the crown, but the ground beneath them is shifting. New managers, new systems and new ambitions have redrawn the competitive map. In this evolving landscape, reputation alone will not be enough. The Scudetto race is no longer just about who is strongest… it is about who adapts fastest.
The 2026/27 Serie A’s top five transfers (so far)
– Goncalo Ramos – Paris Saint-Germain to AC Milan – €74 million
– Rasmus Hojlund – Manchester United to Napoli – €44 million
– Donyell Malen – Aston Villa to Roma – €25 million
– Lois Openda – RB Leipzig to Juventus – €43 million
– Aleksandar Stankovic – Clubb Brugge to Inter Milan – €23 million
Five facts/stats for the 2026/27 Serie A season
– 20 teams, 38 games each – the classic Serie A format remains unchanged.
– Inter are defending champions, chasing back-to-back Scudetti under Cristian Chivu after last season’s title win.
– Three promoted sides – Venezia, Frosinone and Monza return to the top flight.
– Season kicks off on 22 August, with Inter hosting Monza in the opening set of fixtures.
– This will be the 125th season of top-tier Italian football.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has called on its members to review a controversial plan by the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) to sell off stakes in its major competitions, including the World Cup.
“The CAF President, Dr Patrice Motsepe, will host a meeting of the CAF executive committee next week to… assess and evaluate the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise initiative,” CAF said in a statement late on Wednesday.
The world football governing body on Tuesday announced plans to create a commercial subsidiary to run its biggest events, such as the World Cup and Club World Cup.
Under the proposal, private investors would be allowed to acquire stakes in the company but would remain minority shareholders, FIFA said.
The governing body hopes to raise up to $4.2 billion based on a valuation of $20 billion for FFE.
If approved, the project could provide each of FIFA’s 211 member associations with a one-off payment of $20 million in early 2027 and increase their funding allocation for the 2027-2030 cycle from $8 million to $20 million.
FIFA president, Mr Gianni Infantino, on Wednesday described the initiative as a “golden opportunity to turbocharge the development of the game globally.”
However, the proposal has drawn criticisms from several leading European federations and European Union officials, who view it as another step in the commercialisation of sport and have raised concerns over potential conflicts of interest.
The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) had claimed that FIFA officials were using the opportunity to enrich themselves and their friends.
The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have also expressed concern that the proposal was made public before FIFA’s 211 member associations were fully consulted.
CAF said it remained “committed to continue consulting and together with its member associations… in support of increasing financial and other resources for the development and growth of football in Africa and worldwide.”
