Sports
Visa Raises Global Investment in Women’s Football
Heading into the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019™, Visa has announced an expanded commitment to women’s football, leveraging the brand’s sponsorship platform to inspire women athletes amidst the global gender equality and women’s empowerment movement.
“Sport presents a huge opportunity for women to pursue their dreams on and off the field,” said Lynne Biggar, chief marketing and communications officer, Visa. “Women make the vast majority of consumer purchases and start millions of small businesses a year. By making a substantial investment in women’s initiatives, including soccer, Visa is celebrating this powerful global force.”
Visa’s newest investments include supporting Women’s Soccer in the United States and Beyond; and partnership with United States Soccer Federation.
Visa has entered a five-year sponsorship agreement with the world leader in women’s soccer, the U.S. Soccer Federation, to contribute to its long-standing investment in the development of women’s soccer and support the U.S. Women’s National Team through 2023.
The support of U.S. Women’s Soccer complements Visa’s global investment in women’s soccer through partnerships with UEFA Women’s Football and Visa’s longstanding partnership with FIFA, including the FIFA Women’s World Cup™, FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Uruguay 2018 and FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup France 2018.
Visa will be the presenting sponsor of the SheBelieves Cup, which was started in the run-up to the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™, a four-team women’s international team tournament played in the United States each year.
The tournament is based around U.S. Soccer’s SheBelieves initiative, focused on inspiring young girls and women to accomplish their goals and dreams. The agreement between U.S. Soccer and Visa was facilitated by Soccer United Marketing (SUM), U.S. Soccer’s partner for the past 15 years.
“We are incredibly excited Visa is partnering with us on our overall mission to become the preeminent sport in the U.S.,” said Jay Berhalter, chief commercial officer, U.S. Soccer. “With Visa joining us in our long-term investment in women’s soccer, we will continue to increase opportunities for women players, coaches and referees at all levels. Overall, we are looking forward to Visa helping us reach our mission by increasing participation, developing world class players, coaches and referees, and increasing fan engagement.”
“Soccer United Marketing is proud to facilitate this multi-year partnership between U.S. Soccer and Visa,” said Jen Cramer, senior vice president, SUM. “We are always looking to establish partnerships with iconic, forward-thinking brands who are committed to advancing the game and developing female leaders for the next generation both in athletics and business. This exciting relationship between Visa and U.S. Soccer will elevate soccer’s popularity to even higher levels in North America, especially in advance of this summer’s FIFA Women’s World Cup™.”
Also, Visa is launching a new U.S. marketing campaign celebrating the U.S. Women’s National Team. The centerpiece is a new ad spotlighting stars Mallory Pugh, Becky Sauerbrunn, Rose Lavelle, Jessica McDonald, Abby Dahlkemper and Adrianna Franch as they attempt to earn a fourth star by winning the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019™ title. The ad provides a glimpse into the players’ hard work and determination as they strive to achieve greatness on the world stage this summer. This builds upon Visa’s new global ad campaign, “One Moment Can Change the Game,” focused on elevating women in sports.
“My teammates inspire me in so many ways every day,” said Mallory Pugh, United States Women’s National Team Forward. “I am so proud to be part of Visa’s campaign which celebrates athletes the way we are and showcases the magic moments on the field. Visa’s campaign is another incredibly empowering message for women and girls.”
At the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019, Visa is the presenting sponsor of the Player of the Match, celebrating women soccer players. Soccer fans worldwide will have the opportunity to vote on FIFA.com for their favourite player for each of the 52 matches during the tournament. Players can be selected for their outstanding performance – amazing play, display of sportsmanship, or some other moment on the field.
The Player of the Match, Presented by Visa, trophy is designed to celebrate and create an opportunity for fans to have a voice and contribute to the growing recognition of the women in soccer across the world.
Team Visa Expansion
Visa’s roster of Team Visa athletes is expanding, as 18 new women’s soccer players from 16 countries will join Team Visa. They include: Ellie Carpenter (Australia), Christine Sinclair (Canada), Nadia Nadim (Denmark), Lucy Bronze (England), Fran Kirby (England), Nikita Parris (England), Eugenie Le Sommer(France), Dzsenifer Marozsán (Germany), Laura Giuliani (Italy), Shanice vd Sanden (Netherlands), Caroline Graham Hansen (Norway), Ewa Pajor (Poland), Kim Little (Scotland), Ramona Bachmann (Switzerland), Alexia Putellas (Spain), Kosovare Asllani (Sweden), Didem Karagenç (Turkey) and Megan Rapinoe (United States).
Since the beginning of the Team Visa program in 2000, on average fifty four percent of Team Visa have been women, including the newly announced 18 women soccer players from around the world. The program has supported more than 400 athletes and aims to provide athletes with the resources needed to achieve their goals on and off the field.
Visa Everywhere Initiative: Women’s Global Edition
On the opening day of the tournament on June 7, Visa will host the finals event for its first global competition focused on celebrating women entrepreneurs who are making strides in Fintech and Social Impact around the world. Twelve finalists from six regions will pitch their solutions for a chance to win the grand prize of $100,000 per challenge.
Uplifting Women from the Field to the Boardroom
Visa’s support for women goes beyond the playing field. Ninety four percent of women in the C-suite have played a sport at some time in their lives.1 Given the correlation between success in sport and business, Visa is a catalyst for supporting and championing women in all facets of life. Visa’s investment in women’s soccer globally builds on Visa’s initiatives that support women entrepreneurs and small business owners.
“As a leading sponsor of women’s soccer and advocate for female empowerment, Visa is dedicated to accelerating the growing support of the game, on and off the field,” continued Lynne Biggar, chief marketing and communications officer, Visa. “From championing professional players and celebrating their stories, to tapping into the strength of the Visa brand and elevating the game’s visibility across the world, Visa’s commitment to women’s soccer is here to stay.”
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
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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.
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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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