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.
The Super Bowl is far more than a football game. Each year, it becomes a global cultural moment, where sport, music, and social conversation collide. Super Bowl LX promises to be no exception. While fans anticipate the on-field clash between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks, much of the world’s attention has shifted to the halftime stage airing on both ESPN and ESPN2 (DStv Channel 219), where three-time Grammy winner Bad Bunny will make history.
The Puerto Rican superstar, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, is set to become the first non-English-speaking artist to headline the Super Bowl halftime show. His selection has sparked debate in the United States, particularly amid ongoing anti-ICE protests, but it also signals a broader recognition of his cultural impact. Known for pushing artistic boundaries and amplifying underrepresented voices, Bad Bunny brings a rare combination of commercial appeal and social consciousness to the NFL’s biggest stage.
The timing of his performance carries added weight. Just a week before the Super Bowl, Bad Bunny made history at the 2026 Grammy Awards, winning Album of the Year for Debí Tirar Más Fotos (I Should Have Taken More Photos). He used his acceptance speech to address immigration and human dignity, declaring: “Before I say thanks to God, I’m going to say, ICE out,” and calling on audiences to respond to hate with love. That statement has heightened expectations that his halftime show will blend spectacle with message, marking a performance that is about identity as much as entertainment.
As anticipation builds, questions linger over how Bad Bunny will translate this cultural moment on the field. Will the show lean entirely into his chart-topping hits, or will it echo the themes of unity and resistance he spoke of at the Grammys? Either way, the performance is already being framed as a defining cultural moment of 2026, with viewers worldwide eager to witness history in the making.
For audiences in Nigeria, Super Bowl LX and Bad Bunny’s historic halftime performance will air live on both ESPN and ESPN2 (DStv Channel 219) on Monday, February 9, 2026, at 12:30 am WAT. Be sure to also take advantage of the ongoing We Got You offer, where you pay for your current package and DStv upgrades you to the next higher package at no extra cost. This offer runs till February 28, 2026.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
One of the leading financial services groups in Africa, Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) Plc, is championing great experiences and heritage by being the main sponsor of NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament.
The competition is one of Africa’s oldest and most prestigious sporting events and for this year’s edition, it will bring together top local and international polo teams and spectators from across the continent and beyond.
The contest commenced on Tuesday, January 27 at the Lagos Polo Club in Ikoyi and will end on Sunday, February 15, 2026.
The 2026 NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament will feature top‑tier teams competing for major prizes, including the Majekodunmi Cup, Independence Cup, Open Cup, Silver Cup and Low Cup, among others.
Guests can expect a fusion of thrilling equestrian action, polo-inspired lifestyle showcase, and curated hospitality experiences. The event will also be livestreamed, allowing audiences online to share in the excitement and spectacle.
Commenting on GTCO’s role as main sponsor of the Lagos International Polo Tournament, the chief executive of the firm, Mr Segun Agbaje, said, “This tournament, one of the oldest in Africa, celebrates not only the noble sport of polo but the values we hold dear as a brand: teamwork, discipline, fair play, and a commitment to excellence.
“Beyond the field, it showcases Nigeria and Africa to a global audience, reinforcing the continent’s place on the world stage. Our longstanding sponsorship of the NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament reflects our conviction that sport can amplify opportunity, foster connections, and deliver world-class experiences for all.”
The NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament has long been celebrated not only for its thrilling competition and equestrian excellence but also for its rich heritage and cultural resonance within Africa’s sporting tradition. GTCO’s sponsorship embodies the Group’s commitment to creating platforms that unite communities and drive social impact across diverse audiences.
If you’re looking for a fun, reliable, and exciting online betting experience in Nigeria, you’re in the right place. PariPesa Nigeria brings together casino entertainment, sports betting, and modern gaming options designed just for you. Let’s break it all down.
Casino Games
At PariPesa Nigeria, the casino lobby is brimming with exciting games. They are split into categories to help you navigate. You can search for titles using the search bar or narrow down the type of game you enjoy using the filter menu on the left-hand side of the page.
The filters on the left let you pick based on provider, feature, theme, and game types. If there is a title you particularly like, you can also favorite it! There are two separate categories of casino entertainment that depend on your individual casino activity. Recent games are all the ones you have tried, and the favorites section, as you can guess, lists the ones you starred.
Take a look at the main categories of games available.
Slots
Slots are the most popular casino games. They’re beginner-friendly, simple to follow, and you can try them for free in demo mode! At PariPesa Nigeria, you’ll find classic, video, and jackpot slots. Some have Nigerian-themed designs, bright colors, and sound effects that bring the experience close to home.
Table games
Are you a blackjack fan or do you prefer to watch the wheel spin in roulette? Either way, PariPesa Nigeria has a large selection of table games for you to choose from. You will find multiple variations of these titles, along with tables with varying betting ranges. Poker has by far the largest number of variants.
Crash games
These games have extremely quick rounds, so understand the mechanics before you place any real money bets. The concept is simple, really: a multiplier increases, and you cash out before an object “crashes.” The longer you wait, the higher your potential win, but if it crashes before you cash out, you lose that round. Aviator, Chicken Crash, and Doodle Crash are among the more popular games in this category.
Live casino games
Those tired of playing against generated algorithms will find live casino games a welcome break. At PariPesa, you can play poker, blackjack, roulette, and more against a live croupier. You can interact with your dealer and watch everything that happens in real time through video streaming. Remember that these tables are time sensitive, so you will have to place your bets before the window closes, and no, you cannot demo these games.
Sports Betting
Nigerians love sports, and what better way is there to be a part of the action than betting? Football is obviously the favorite, but you can also wager on over 150 sports at PariPesa. You can use the in-house statistics to make well informed bets on your preferred teams and players. Furthermore, the betting markets at PariPesa are top-notch.
- Over/Under
- Total Score
- Match Winner
These are only some of the many, many bets you can place.
eSports
eSports are a hit among young Nigerians. Games like FIFA, CS:GO, and Dota 2 have become part of the sports betting market, and they’re big players. Instead of physical matches, you’re betting on professional gamers competing online.
Virtual Sports
If you enjoy sports but want a quick fix, virtual sports are computer-generated matches that run all day, every day. There are no weather issues and no match postponements or player injuries to affect your strategy. Results are decided by certified random systems, so they’re fair and unpredictable.
Responsible Gambling Policy
No matter what, responsible gaming is an important feature of any online casino platform. PariPesa Nigeria takes this policy very seriously, too. This means you’re encouraged to play for fun, not to chase losses or risk money you can’t afford to lose. You can use the following tools to make sure you don’t go overboard.
- Deposit limits
- Self-exclusion between 6 months and 1 year.
- Session limits
- Regular check-ins
If you ever feel that gambling is becoming a problem, use the resources available online to get help.
PariPesa is synonymous with a complete gaming experience in Nigeria. From casino games and betting to eSports and virtual sports, everything is covered. The navigation is simple, reliable, and let’s be honest, entertaining! So, join PariPesa Nigeria today and enjoy top choices made for people like you!
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