Sports

The Rise of Women in Nigeria’s Sports Betting Industry

Published

1 year ago

08/10/2024

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.

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Sports

SuperSport to Broadcast Midweek Football Action in the Premier League and La Liga

Published

3 days ago

02/12/2025

Business Post Contributor

Midweek football returns with crucial fixtures across the Premier League and La Liga, as title contenders look to maintain momentum and struggling sides fight to steady their campaigns. Fans can watch all the action live on SuperSport, exclusively on DStv and GOtv.

Premier League: Key Battles Across the Table

On Tuesday, Fulham host Man City at 8:30 p.m. City edged Leeds 3–2 at the weekend, with Phil Foden scoring twice to keep them five points behind leaders Arsenal. They now face a revitalised Fulham side who have won back-to-back matches, including a gritty 2–1 victory away at Tottenham, and are steadily pulling clear of the relegation zone. The match will air live on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203)

Also at 9:15 p.m., Newcastle welcome Tottenham to St James’ Park. Spurs remain winless in their last seven games across all competitions and have dropped to fifth after their 2–1 home defeat to Fulham. Newcastle, meanwhile, arrive with renewed confidence after a commanding 4–1 win at Everton and continue to be one of the league’s toughest home sides. The match will air live on SS Action (GOtv Ch. 66, DStv Ch. 206)

On Wednesday, league leaders Arsenal return at 8:30 p.m. when they face Brentford at the Emirates. Arsenal were held to a 1–1 draw by Chelsea but remain firmly in control at the top. Brentford, who beat Burnley 3–1 last time out, continue to show strong form at home but have struggled to replicate those performances on the road. Watch live on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203)

At 9:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Leeds United take on Chelsea at Elland Road live on SS Football (DStv Ch. 205, GOtv Ch. 61). Chelsea battled to a 1–1 draw against Arsenal despite going a man down, and a win here could push them into second place depending on other results. Leeds, however, have lost four straight and sit in the relegation zone, needing a turnaround to avoid deeper trouble.

Also at 9:15 p.m., Liverpool face Sunderland at Anfield. Liverpool stopped their run of defeats with a controlled 2–0 win away at West Ham and now aim to re-establish rhythm against a Sunderland side sitting near the top of the table. Sunderland edged Bournemouth 3–2 in their last outing, ending a three-game winless stretch. The match will be live on SS La Liga (GOtv Ch. 62, DStv Ch. 204)

On Thursday, Man United host West Ham at 9:00 p.m., airing live on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203). United came from behind to beat Crystal Palace 2–1 at Selhurst Park, recording their first victory in four matches. West Ham, meanwhile, remain close to the relegation zone after a 2–0 loss to Liverpool and need a stabilising result.

La Liga: Top Contenders Face Crucial Tests

On Tuesday, Barcelona face Atlético Madrid at 9:00 p.m. Barcelona’s 3–1 win over Alavés moved them top of the table, but they now confront an Atlético side in exceptional form. Atlético have won six straight league matches and remain unbeaten in more than ten across all competitions, making them one of the most dangerous teams in Spain at the moment.

On Wednesday at 7:00 p.m., Athletic Club host Real Madrid at San Mamés. Real Madrid have drawn their last three league matches, including a 1–1 result against Girona, a run that has cost them top spot. Athletic, meanwhile, arrive after a confident 2–0 win away at Levante and continue to show strong defensive discipline. With Barcelona, Real Madrid, Villarreal and Atlético all tightly packed at the top, every point now carries significant weight. Both games air live on SS La Liga (DStv Ch. 204, GOtv Ch. 62).

Midweek Highlights

Premier League

Fulham vs Man City — Tue, 8:30 p.m.
Newcastle vs Tottenham — Tue, 9:15 p.m.
Arsenal vs Brentford — Wed, 8:30 p.m.
Leeds United vs Chelsea — Wed, 9:15 p.m.
Liverpool vs Sunderland — Wed, 9:15 p.m.
Man United vs West Ham — Thu, 9:00 p.m.

La Liga

Barcelona vs Atlético Madrid — Tue, 9:00 p.m.
Athletic Club vs Real Madrid — Wed, 7:00 p.m.

Catch Every Game

Stream every match live on select SuperSport channels or on the DStv Stream and GOtv Stream apps. Manage or upgrade your subscription via the MyDStv or MyGOtv apps, or visit www.dstv.com and www.gotvafrica.com, or dial *288# to stay connected.

Sports

Don’t Miss These EPL Games as DStv Opens EPL Channels to All Customers from Yanga Up

Published

6 days ago

29/11/2025

Business Post Contributor

The Premier League enters another decisive weekend, and the title picture could look very different by Sunday night. Arsenal’s trip to Stamford Bridge headlines a fixture list loaded with jeopardy, while Manchester United face a resurgent Crystal Palace side with top-six ambitions of their own. Manchester City have a chance to apply early pressure, and Liverpool are fighting simply to keep their season from unravelling further.

Across the board, the margins are tightening, and for several contenders, this is a weekend they cannot afford to get wrong.

Crystal Palace vs. Manchester United (13:00 WAT, Sunday)

Crystal Palace enter the weekend knowing a win could pull them into the league’s top six — and depending on other results, even edge them into the top-three conversation. Their football has been coherent, aggressive, and structurally sound, despite losing talisman Eberechi Eze in the summer.

United’s defeat at home to 10-man Everton raised familiar concerns: inconsistency in midfield, disjointed pressing, and an attack that drifts in and out of games. The lack of midweek football can be their biggest advantage. Palace, by contrast, are coming off a Thursday European fixture, a schedule squeeze that could affect their intensity in the closing stages.

But based on current form, Palace look to be the more complete team. Their starting XI has been one of the most stable and coordinated in the league, while United arrive trying to prove they remain credible top-four contenders. For Palace, this is a chance to protect their position or announce themselves as part of the season’s emerging elite.

Liverpool vs West Ham (15:05 WAT, Sunday)

Liverpool’s fall from defending champions to 12th in the table has been one of the season’s sharpest regressions, and the pressure around Anfield is starting to tighten. A squad rebuilt around high-profile summer arrivals – Wirtz, Isak and Frimpong – has yet to find rhythm, raising uncomfortable questions about recruitment and adaptation. Liverpool have taken just one win from their last five matches, and anything short of victory here risks deepening the crisis.

Morale hasn’t been helped by the long-term loss of Diogo Jota, whose absence has forced a tactical reshuffle and exposed the team’s diminishing depth in the final third. A win could lift Liverpool back toward the fringes of the top six, restoring some sense of trajectory in a title-defence campaign that has never quite ignited.

West Ham, meanwhile, come into the weekend with quiet momentum. Two wins from their last three have pulled them clear of immediate relegation danger, and David Moyes’ side have shown a sharper edge in midfield and transition. They are still unpredictable, capable of resilience but equally prone to lapses, yet against this version of Liverpool, they will feel there is something to take.

Form points in West Ham’s direction. Expectation leans heavily on Liverpool. And somewhere in between lies a match that could decide how long the pressure around Anfield remains manageable.

Chelsea vs Arsenal (17:30 WAT, Sunday)

Chelsea enter the London derby with an opportunity that has become increasingly rare in recent seasons: a chance to gain ground on Arsenal in the title race. But the task is formidable. Arsenal remain one of the league’s most balanced sides – defensively disciplined, structurally tight, and consistently incisive in the final third – and they arrive at Stamford Bridge with form and confidence on their side.

Recent history does not favour Chelsea. They haven’t beaten Arsenal in the league since 2021, a run that has shaped the psychological edge between the teams. Yet this Chelsea side has shown enough volatility, both good and bad, to make the derby feel closer than the table suggests. With the top of the league in reach, the stakes sharpen.

For Arsenal, Eze’s form provides an additional spark. Fresh off a hat-trick in the North London derby, he comes into this fixture with a swagger that could tilt the attacking equation. Chelsea, meanwhile, face uncertainty around Cole Palmer’s availability, a variable that could shape their entire attacking approach.

It’s a derby that feels finely balanced, even if Arsenal hold the statistical and historical advantages. For Chelsea, this is less about rivalry and more about rewriting a narrative that has belonged to Arsenal for the better part of four years.

Manchester City vs. Leeds United (15:00 WAT, Saturday)

Manchester City arrive at the weekend on the back of two frustrating results, but even in a stuttering moment, they remain overwhelming favourites. The quality gap is obvious – Haaland, Foden and the rest of City’s core operate at a level Leeds are still adjusting to after their return to the Premier League.

Leeds, meanwhile, remain locked in a relegation fight, with just one win from their last five matches. Their effort and energy are rarely in question, but the margins at this level are unforgiving, and their squad is still catching up to the demands of the division. Against City, any hesitation, in possession or in transition, is usually punished.

For Pep Guardiola’s side, the stakes are sharper than they appear. A win would take City up to second place, at least temporarily, applying immediate pressure ahead of the Arsenal–Chelsea clash later in the day. And if Chelsea falters, City could reclaim the spot they have long treated as familiar territory.

For fans who want to follow every twist and turn, DStv Yanga customers will have full access to SuperSport EPL and SuperSport Action from 12AM on Sunday, 30 November through to 11:59PM same day. Whether it’s the high-stakes London derby, City’s push to reclaim second place, or Liverpool’s fight to steady the ship, every match is available live, uninterrupted. The channels will return to their regular Compact packages on Monday morning, giving viewers a chance to digest what promises to be a defining weekend in the Premier League.

Sports

SuperSport to Air Mega Football Weekend with PL Sunday Offer

Published

7 days ago

28/11/2025

Business Post Contributor

Club football continues with a heavyweight slate of fixtures across Europe’s top leagues, headlined by the Premier League’s London derby between Chelsea and Arsenal supported this weekend by SuperSport’s Sunday Special open window, which gives GOtv Jolli and DStv Yanga customers access to Premier League action all day on Sunday. All matches will be broadcast live on SuperSport, exclusively on DStv and GOtv.

Premier League: Chelsea and Arsenal Takes Centre Stage

Saturday opens at 4:00 p.m. with Man City hosting Leeds United. City have suffered consecutive defeats in the league and Europe, while Leeds remain deep in relegation trouble after three straight losses.

At 6:30 p.m., Everton face Newcastle. The Toffees are chasing a third straight win, while Newcastle arrive on the back of a Champions League setback against Marseille. The day ends at 9:00 p.m. as Tottenham meet Fulham. Spurs are searching for their first win in four matches across all competitions.

Sunday’s action begins at 1:00 p.m. with Crystal Palace facing Man United. Palace sit fifth and continue to push the pack above them; United, winless in three, need a response.At 3:05 p.m., West Ham take on Liverpool. Liverpool have hit a rough patch, losing to both Nottingham Forest and PSV in the past week.

The weekend’s headline fixture kicks off at 5:30 p.m. as Chelsea welcome Arsenal. The league leaders have won six of their last seven and impressed in Europe with their victory over Bayern Munich. Chelsea, buoyed by wins against Burnley and Barcelona, aim to close the six-point gap separating them from top spot.

All Premier League matches are live on SuperSport Premier League (DStv Ch. 203, GOtv Ch. 65).

La Liga: Barcelona Push, Atlético Surge, Madrid Defend Top Spot

Barcelona face Alavés on Saturday at 4:15 p.m. Barça come in from a 3-0 loss to Chelsea in the Champions League and remain one point behind Real Madrid. Alavés, with three wins in their last four, will seek an upset.

At 9:00 p.m., Atlético Madrid host Real Oviedo. Atlético are La Liga’s form side with five straight wins and 10 unbeaten, yet still sit fourth. Oviedo remain bottom with only one win this season.

Sunday at 2:00 p.m. sees Real Sociedad face Villarreal. Villarreal enter with four consecutive victories and sit third; Sociedad are unbeaten in five and remain dangerous.

The Seville Derby follows at 4:15 p.m. as Sevilla meet Real Betis. Betis sit fifth but have only one win in five; Sevilla, 11th, can climb significantly with a victory and favourable results elsewhere.

The weekend closes with Real Madrid traveling to Girona at 9:00 p.m. Madrid, coming off back-to-back league draws but buoyed by a Champions League win over Olympiakos, must win to protect their lead.

All La Liga matches air live on SuperSport La Liga (DStv Ch. 204, GOtv Ch. 62).

Serie A: Top Four Separated by Just Three Points

Juventus take on Cagliari at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday. Juve have drawn their last two league fixtures but picked up a Champions League win in midweek. Cagliari remain winless in eight.

At 8:45 p.m., AC Milan take on Lazio. Milan, fresh from a derby victory over Inter, sit second and remain firmly in the title hunt. Lazio have won three of their last five.

On Sunday at 3:00 p.m., Pisa host Inter Milan. Inter need a response after league and European defeats.

The round concludes with Roma against Napoli at 8:45 p.m., a top-of-the-table meeting between first and third. Both teams earned big midweek European victories and enter in strong form.

All Serie A matches are live on SuperSport Africa 2 (DStv Ch. 208, GOtv Ch. 64).

Ligue 1: PSG Defend a Narrow Lead in a Tight Title Race

Saturday at 5:00 p.m., Monaco host PSG. PSG remain top with 30 points and arrive after a decisive win over Le Havre. Monaco, eighth, need a major response following their 4-1 defeat to Rennes. This match will air on SuperSport Africa 1 (GOtv Ch. 63, DStv Ch. 207).

At 9:05 p.m., Marseille face Toulouse. Marseille are in strong scoring form after a 5-1 win over Nice, while Toulouse seek consistency after a narrow loss to Angers.

Sunday features Strasbourg facing Brest at 3:00 p.m., followed by Angers against Lens and Le Havre squaring up Lille, both at 5:15 p.m. Lens remain firmly in the title chase, while Lille continue to push for European places.

Catch all Ligue 1 matches will air live on SuperSport Football (DStv Ch. 205, GOtv Ch. 61).

Weekend Highlights

Premier League

Man City vs Leeds — Sat, 4:00 p.m.
Everton vs Newcastle — Sat, 6:30 p.m.
Tottenham vs Fulham — Sat, 9:00 p.m.
Crystal Palace vs Man United — Sun, 1:00 p.m.
West Ham vs Liverpool — Sun, 3:05 p.m.
Chelsea vs Arsenal — Sun, 5:30 p.m.

La Liga

Barcelona vs Alavés — Sat, 4:15 p.m.
Atlético Madrid vs Real Oviedo — Sat, 9:00 p.m.
Real Sociedad vs Villarreal — Sun, 2:00 p.m.
Sevilla vs Real Betis — Sun, 4:15 p.m.
Girona vs Real Madrid — Sun, 9:00 p.m.

Serie A

Juventus vs Cagliari — Sat, 6:00 p.m.
AC Milan vs Lazio — Sat, 8:45 p.m.
Pisa vs Inter Milan — Sun, 3:00 p.m.
Roma vs Napoli — Sun, 8:45 p.m.

Ligue 1

Monaco vs PSG — Sat, 5:00 p.m. (on SS Africa 1)
Marseille vs Toulouse — Sat, 9:05 p.m.
Strasbourg vs Brest — Sun, 3:00 p.m.
Angers vs Lens — Sun, 5:15 p.m.
Le Havre vs Lille — Sun, 5:15 p.m.

Free Access this Football Weekend

All Premier League matches are on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203), with Sunday Special open access available to all GOtv Jolli and DStv Yanga customers.

All La Liga matches are on SS La Liga (GOtv Ch. 62, DStv Ch. 204). Ligue 1 is on SS Africa 1 (PSG match) and SS Football for all other fixtures. Serie A is live on SS Africa 2 (GOtv Ch. 64, DStv Ch. 208).

Stream every match live on DStv Stream or GOtv Stream. Upgrade or stay connected via the MyDStv or MyGOtv app, dial *288#, or visit the official websites.