Sports
The Rise of Women in Nigeria’s Sports Betting Industry
In recent years, Nigeria’s sports betting industry has experienced exponential growth, becoming a multi-billion-dollar sector. However, like many tech and finance-related industries, it remains largely male-dominated.
In this article, SportsBoom explores the increasing participation and influence of women in this booming market, uncovering a narrative that’s rarely told but increasingly significant.
When looking at the ‘most valuable players’ in the Nigerian I-gaming industry, it’s largely impossible to overlook the renowned Olabimpe Akingba, who not only bagged the award for the most influential woman in gaming 2022 but remains on the list of the top 50 most influential women in i-gaming till date.
Even though she doesn’t view the i-gaming industry as an exception when it comes to male domination. Her mantra is ‘put in as much effort as my male counterparts and build a supportive ecosystem around my family.’ This outlook has contributed significantly to her empathetic leadership style.
The question is could the rise of women in sports betting potentially change the industry’s marketing strategies and target demographics? Akingba certainly thinks so.
She is confident that having more women in leadership positions in the i-gaming companies, would not only foster inclusion and diversity but could attract more female punters and customers. She also deems the general perception of women being emotionally- driven as an advantage that could enhance and promote responsible gaming.
Akingba is thrilled with the intentionality which has been displayed by betting operators in recent times when it comes to including more women in advertisements and the i-gaming workforce, as opposed to what was the case a decade ago.
The negative perception of i-gaming
Most African religions and cultures frown upon sports betting particularly the older generations or generation X who tend to view the industry through a ‘get rich quick scheme’ lens; generation Y appears to be more open-minded, while according to Akingba, generation Z views the i-gaming industry from an ‘entertainment perspective.’
She thinks a shift from the negative perception is possible if there is an increased awareness of the immense contribution which the industry makes to society:
”The regulators at the federal and state levels do a lot to promote societal causes with the tax remitted from the sports betting industry including security support and healthcare. If more light is shone upon gestures like this, it could significantly help reshape the negative perception,” Akingba told betting news site SportsBoom.com.
Speaking of impact, Akingba also thinks that if there is an inclusion of women in leadership roles in the i-gaming industry, it will have a profound effect on the nature of corporate social responsibility initiatives which i-gaming companies engage in:
“Having more women in leadership roles is crucial in terms of how it can translate to CSR, due to our natural wiring, we could push for causes that are more humane in nature and move towards causes that are not necessarily related to sports. The men are doing a great job, but if more women are given leadership roles, I think that’s where the shift will happen.”
The gift and curse of being a woman in the i-gaming industry
The i-gaming industry has been a significant vehicle for women’s empowerment through the employment of more women in the retail space to take up positions like agents and other roles in various sports betting companies.
Akingba is impressed with the level of inclusion of women being displayed by the industry in recent times, as opposed to what was the case a decade ago.
Being a part of the industry has also afforded her numerous opportunities like wearing the ambassadorial hat for the ‘Women in Gaming- the Africa Chapter’, which launched a few months ago and boasts of 350 female members. Akingba explains that the peculiar challenge of data in Nigeria does not allow for an accurate reflection of the number of women in the industry.
In spite of this, she insists that the significant level of female inclusion in the industry through employment, cannot be refuted.
Like numerous industries, the sports betting industry comes with its fair share of challenges, especially for women who go through monthly challenges and difficult choices at various stages of their lives.
Akingba recalls her first time as a mother, which was accompanied by health challenges that necessitated having to put in a request with her employer to work from home:
‘When I was pregnant, I worked with a brand that I had been with for a couple of years. After 3 years of working with them, I was allowed some time off due to a difficult pregnancy. I made 2 requests, an extension of my maternity leave and remote work, based on my doctor’s orders. Both requests were rejected, and I resigned.”
“That decision affected me negatively, I was delighted to have a child, but didn’t want to lose my job. I would’ve liked to have both, and I would have loved to have been extended more empathy. But, if you view it from a different perspective, the company is not running a charity organization. However, I don’t apologize for being a woman and I’m delighted that more companies are now open to remote work, post-COVID.”
Akingba also condemns work environments that enable sexual harassment and normalize sexual innuendos. She states that women who refuse such advances should have their decisions respected and not have to walk on eggshells when they are around bosses who might choose to make the work environment hostile after such advances are rejected.
The future of women in the sports betting industry
When it comes to the alignment of the i-gaming industry to support women’s sports locally and globally, Akingba thinks that the same intentionality which i-gaming operators put into male sports needs to be channelled in the direction of female sports even if male sports tend to be more popular with their customers.
Akingba is hopeful that the next decade will usher in more women in leadership positions in the i-gaming industry, which would significantly place women in strategic positions to be decision-makers. This gesture will boost inclusivity and boost the growth of the industry, as opposed to deterring it. She also foresees a rapid improvement in technology which would translate to more innovative products and tools.
Conclusion
The dice have been rolled, and women are changing the game in Nigeria’s sports betting industry. From reshaping corporate cultures to championing responsible gaming, trailblazers like Olabimpe Akingba are not just playing the odds – they’re rewriting them.
As the industry evolves, it’s clear that diversity isn’t just a winning ticket; it’s the jackpot that could propel Nigerian sports betting into a more inclusive, innovative future. In this high-stakes arena, women aren’t just placing bets; they’re raising the bar, proving that when it comes to success in I-gaming, gender equality is the safest bet of all.
Sports
When Weather Hijacks Betting Odds
Weather conditions such as rain, wind, snow, or extreme heat could have an impact on the nature of both teams’ style of play, the way that goals might happen, and the way they are priced by bookmakers like 1xbet. Therefore, in recent years, the weather has been seen as one of the quickest, non-visible influences on wagering and gambling.
In the final hours leading up to a game, many individuals who wager money will either check the weather or look to confirm it has been altered before they access the relevant sites to wager on the game. The result is often that there has been a change in price immediately after the event has been confirmed. There is no requirement for a weather press conference to take place, as weather conditions will dictate when to make price adjustments.
Mobile alerts make weather-driven moves faster
Modern weather surprises spread instantly in modern betting with radar images on social media; waves of bets have begun flooding in before even national broadcasters are reporting current weather conditions. The overwhelming influence of weather bets is multiplied by players being able to place their wagers using mobile devices, as they are able to follow thick and thin markets by paying close attention to their mobile betting devices via 1xbet apk, to be ready and able to react immediately when weather-related news breaks. When rain starts to come down heavily or winds start to pick up, bettors adjust their expectations and place bets on things like totals, corners, and/or cards, respectively.
The fact that bets can be processed and accepted instantly when betting with mobile devices provides tremendous value and importance to how pre-match odds can be pushed up and down quickly, even though the movements in pre-match odds may have been created with only a small portion of the total stake being made by the total number of bettors.
Why wind and rain hit the goal markets first
Players from getting enough distance on long balls, which can cause problems with crossing the ball. Heavy rainfall can affect pass accuracy and create unexpected deflections due to players slipping or losing their footing. High temperatures can affect the pace of play and increase fatigue.
Bookmakers commonly will alter goal-related markets first when weather has a significant impact on shot quality and chance conversion. If the pitch is heavy, teams may be able to create attacking chances but not be able to finish them. Strong winds can disrupt how set pieces are taken, which makes them unpredictable.
Typical types of weather effects that drive odds adjustments include:
- strong wind reducing the accuracy of crosses and long shots;
- heavy rain reducing pace of play and increases slips, getting muddy pass accuracy and less cleanly taken.
- waterlogged playing surface, creating difficult passing;
- very high temperatures causing slower second halfs;
- and cold weather reduces stamina and touch.
These elements affect total point spread lines and sometimes also point spread lines in instances where either team is using more of a certain style of play.
How odds shifts look when the forecast changes
Weather-based movement often follows a recognizable sequence: forecast update, market pause, then adjustment. It can happen in minutes.
| Weather shift before kickoff | What bettors expect | Where odds usually move |
| Wind picks up sharply | Fewer clean chances | Under goals shortens |
| Heavy rain starts | Slower play, more mistakes | Totals and corners adjust |
| Heat wave confirmed | Lower tempo late | Second-half totals drift |
| Sudden storm warning | Match may stop or delay | Markets suspend briefly |
| Pitch declared heavy | Physical game, fewer patterns | Cards and unders tighten |
The public reacts late, the market reacts early
Oddsmakers adjust the line in their favor before the average bettor has even thought to make a wager on a particular matchup. Many recreational players are betting based on team name and recency—weather is an afterthought, if that at all.
Trained bettors will typically make their move much earlier in the process by being tuned into the weather forecast and any stadium information. Once they get their money in early, the oddsmakers adjust the odds and the recreational players will wager at a different price.
That’s why the weather has such a huge ability to create a “pre-match surprise”; it can quickly change assumptions and betting markets are based on assumptions.
Smart ways to handle weather-driven chaos
The weather offers chance and also risk. Quick checklists come in handy when making smart choices:
- Check the current market movement before betting on a new weather event.
- Don’t accept forecast headlines generally; look back for context.
- Assess style of play: crossing the touchline, tempo, and physical size.
- Don’t rely solely on morning weather updates; check late changes to match timing as well.
- Be cautious when betting on the live market after the weather created chaos.
The forecast does not match, but the forecast could create a change to the match, which can createa change to the odds.
Weather is not background noise anymore
Today’s weather plays a major factor in today’s gaming and gambling markets. Weather conditions can completely alter game pace and a gambler’s approach to betting. Many times, sportsbooks have to adjust pricing for an entire section of the board at the last minute due to these changing weather patterns.
The important piece is understanding the reasons behind odds movement in order to take advantage of them rather than just noticing they have moved. As weather conditions change at the end of a sporting event, the betting market is reacting to uncertainty, and when uncertainty increases, the odds do not typically remain as displayed on the betting screens.
Sports
Golf Training, Tournament Hold March 8 in Warri North
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.
Sports
Access Bank Lagos City Marathon Top 10 Finishers Share N10m from Aquafina
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.
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