Sports
Visa to Support Women-Owned Businesses at FIFA Women’s World Cup
By Adedapo Adesanya
Global payment service giant, Visa, will celebrate the numbers, and the stories behind them throughout this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, scheduled to start later this month in Australia and New Zealand.
Visa, a FIFA Women’s Football Partner, announced a first-ever extension of the coveted Visa Player of the Match athlete award to support women-owned small businesses (WSMB) with $500,000 in total grant funding across the 64 matches and potentially 32 qualifying countries.
Speaking on this milestone, Mr Andrew Uaboi, Vice President and Head of Visa West Africa, said, “Visa understands equity requires action and resources. We’re excited to use the world’s biggest stage for women’s sports to put the power for change into the athlete’s performance – and uplift a business in the home country of each game’s Player of the Match.”
“Nigeria is one of the leading African countries with the highest number of female entrepreneurs. We are passionate about using this initiative to create a positive impact on society, in addition to advancing the growth of women-owned small businesses in our region. We also see this as an opportunity to inspire young girls to dream big and pursue their passion for the beautiful game,” he added.
The Visa Player of the Match trophy is awarded at each of the 64 matches to the player who fans vote to be the most outstanding of the match. At this year’s tournament, which is scheduled to start on July 20 through August 20, audiences watching at home will once again have the opportunity to celebrate the women on the pitch and for the first time, help elevate women in business at the same time.
Building up to the final match, Visa will award 64 grants to women small businesses from the same country as the national team represented by the winning footballer.
This means if a player from first-time entrant Panama or a veteran from the defending champion United States team wins the player of the match, a woman small business owner in her country will receive a grant to help towards her own goals.
In Nigeria’s case, if Barcelona forward, Asisat Oshaola, wins any of the awards, a woman’s business owner in the country will be rewarded.
The funding ranges in value from $5,000 for the 48 first-round matches up to $50,000 for the final. The winning small businesses will be announced live at the athlete trophy presentation.
This initiative stems from Visa’s multi-year commitment to helping women entrepreneurs access crucial financial resources and empower inclusion in the global economy, noting that supporting women in sports is important for future business success.
Visa noted that it is committed to empowering women across its organization and through its brand support. For more than 15 years, Visa’s investment in women’s football has advocated for equity, inclusion, and creating meaningful connections with athletes, fans, and communities around the world.
Visa is the first FIFA Women’s Football Partner, the first standalone sponsor of UEFA Women’s Football, and a sponsor of national teams, including the US Soccer Federation and Mexican Football Federation.
In the host countries of Australia and New Zealand, Visa’s FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 tells the story behind the FIFA Women’s World Cup athletes, honouring and spotlighting their own numbers and journey.
The innovation of online casinos has transformed how people enjoy leisure and gaming activities. From anywhere and at any time, online casinos have opened their doors to literally everyone, ensuring that the most convenient and exciting kinds of entertainment are within reach.
Whether spinning the reels in popular slot games or plotting out the next move in poker, online casinos bring a virtual get-away like none other. For a deeper understanding of strategies, tips, and insights, one can look to resources such as blog.20bet.com, which provides very valuable information to make your gaming experience even better. Now, let’s get a closer look at the fascinating world of online casinos.
Online Casino Evolution
The journey of online casinos began in the mid-1990s with the advent of the Internet. Fast forward to today, and the industry has mushroomed into a multi-billion-dollar global phenomenon. But to what can its phenomenal popularity be attributed?
Ease of Access and Convenience
One of the major reasons why online casinos have prospered is the convenience they offer. It means that with a smartphone, tablet, or computer, players can play any time, anywhere.
Multitude of Games
Unlike land-based casinos, online casinos offer a plethora of games on their roster. From classic table games like blackjack and roulette, to creative slots with engaging themes, there’s something for every gamer’s taste.
Slot Games: Entertainment for All
Slot games are the most enjoyed amusement in the world of online casinos. The simplicity of the game, combined with appealing graphics and lucrative bonuses, has made it a favorite both for amateur and professional players.
Why Slots Are a Favorite Among People
Easy to Play: Slots are the easiest casino game to play, and there is absolutely no need for experience or strategies.
Creative Themes: Starting from mythology to adventure, slot games are designed with various themes that attract players.
Jackpots: Progressive slots boast of life-altering jackpots which grow with each new spin.
Features of the Best Slots
High RTP: Games with high RTP percentages offer a very good chance of winning.
Bonus Rounds: Look out for slots offering free spins, multipliers, and more.
Mobile Compatibility: Make sure it works on your device.
Table Games: Where Strategy and Entertainment Meet
Table games will satisfy those who want to feel some strategy with their luck. In these games, players will need more engagement and are particularly rewarding when well played.
Popular Table Games
Blackjack: A game of skill and strategy, players try to outdo the dealer without going over 21. Roulette: A very exciting game of chance in which gamblers bet on where the ball will land on a spinning wheel. Poker: From Texas Hold’em to Omaha, poker is all about bluffing, strategy, and calculated risks. Tips for Table Games Success Understand the Rules: First, understand the rules and strategies of the game.
Free Games to Practice: Many sites offer free versions to hone your skills.
Bankroll Management: Set limits and stick to them to avoid overspending.
Live Casino Games: Bringing Realism to Your Screen
The introduction of live dealer games has narrowed the gap between traditional casinos and online casino games. In these games, real dealers host the games, and it is broadcast in real-time for an authentic experience right in your living room.
Advantages of Live Dealer Games
Real-Time Interaction: Chat with dealers and other players to create a social atmosphere.
High Stakes: Many live games cater to high rollers looking for more intense gaming sessions.
Variety: Enjoy games like live blackjack, baccarat, and game show-inspired titles like “Crazy Time.”
Bonuses and Promotions: Maximizing Your Experience
Online casinos often attract players with enticing bonuses and promotions. These offers can significantly enhance your gameplay if used wisely.
Common Types of Bonuses
Welcome Bonus: A reward for signing up, often including deposit matches and free spins.
No Deposit Bonus: Get a small bonus without making an initial deposit.
Loyalty Programs: Earn points with every wager and redeem them for rewards.
How to Choose the Best Bonus
Read the Terms and Conditions: Understand the wagering requirements beforehand.
Check the Validity Period: Make sure that the time given by the bonus is sufficient enough to meet its requirements.
Focus on Your Favorite Games: Some bonuses are game-specific. Choose ones that suit your interests.
Responsible Gaming: A Key Aspect of Enjoyment
While online casinos are a source of entertainment, it’s essential to practice responsible gaming to ensure a positive experience.
Tips for Responsible Gaming
Set a Budget: Decide on a spending limit before you start playing.
Take Breaks: Avoid long gaming sessions to maintain a healthy balance.
Know your Limits: Don’t chase losses; it’s better to walk away and try another day.
Tools at the Player’s Aid
Most online casinos include features for self-exclusion, setting deposit limits, and reality checks that may enable responsible gaming.
Future of Online Casinos
With technology Burke, the online casino industry is bound to reach newer heights. Following are a few trends that are going to shape its future:
Virtual Reality Casinos
Just imagine being inside a virtual casino playing games and communicating with other players, as if you were sitting across from each other. This is the reality that VR technology is bringing into being.
Cryptocurrency and Blockchain
Cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, are becoming increasingly popular. They provide quicker transactions with added security. Fairness in gaming is ensured through the transparency provided by blockchain technology.
By Dipo Olowookere
The former manager of Mali’s national football team, Mr Eric Chelle, has been appointed as the new head coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles.
The appointment of Mr Chelle was announced on Tuesday night by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
The first job of the new coach will be to guide the home-base Super Eagles team to victory at the 2024 CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) co-hosted by the trio of Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania from February 1–28, 2025.
He will work with the current Super Eagles B coaching staff, which includes Daniel Ogunmodede, Fidelis Ilechukwu, and Olatunji Baruwa, who successfully guided the team through CHAN qualifiers.
The biennial football tournament is organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and sponsored by an oil giant, TotalEnergies.
Mr Chelle would be expected to deploy his tactics to ensure a successful outing of the home-based Super Eagles at the competition and also revive the main team, according to the president of the NFF, Mr Ibrahim Gusau.
“We want whoever takes charge of the team to begin immediately, which is why the same coach will manage the CHAN Eagles.
“This allows us to identify promising home-based players who can contribute to the senior national team,” he stated.
Business Post reports that the new coach was favoured for the new job by the Technical and Development Sub-Committee of the federation and endorsed by the executive committee.
One of his biggest tasks will be to qualify the Super Eagles for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States of America (USA).
At the moment, Nigeria occupies fifth position and will play the next qualifiers in two months’ time.
Mr Chelle led the Mali national team to quarterfinals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. He is the latest foreign coach appointed by the NFF to manage the country’s national team.
The race for the first silverware of the 2024/25 season intensifies as Premier League leaders Liverpool and second-placed Arsenal will be in Carabao Cup semifinal action this midweek.
Arsenal will host Newcastle United in the first leg at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, while Liverpool travel to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Wednesday. Both matches will be broadcast live on GOtv Channel 65 at 9 PM.
Fresh from their impressive 2-1 victory over Tottenham on Saturday, Newcastle will aim to build on their momentum and secure a favorable result ahead of the second leg at St. James’ Park. The Magpies have already defeated Arsenal 1-0 earlier this season, and another strong performance could leave the Gunners with a steep hill to climb in the second leg.
Newcastle will be without their influential captain, Bruno Guimarāes due to suspension, while Arsenal battle with illness issues in the squad which has seen Kai Havertz miss the last two matches.
Arsenal, who haven’t lifted the Carabao Cup in 31 years, view this competition as a vital chance for silverware, especially with their league title hopes fading.
On the other side of North London, Tottenham Hotspur face defending champions Liverpool, hoping to avoid a repeat of their 6-3 thrashing by their visitors just 17 days ago. Spurs have managed just one win in their last eight matches at home in all competitions—a narrow 4-3 victory over Manchester United in the quarterfinal. Their last taste of silverware came 17 years ago when they won this competition.
Meanwhile, Liverpool, who have lost just one match all season, are chasing an ambitious quadruple. A victory over Spurs on Wednesday would put them on the brink of securing a spot in the final at Wembley.
Football fans can enjoy all Carabao Cup matches, Premier League, Serie A, Laliga and Champions League action live by reconnecting or upgrading to the GOtv Super Plus package. Simply dial *288# to renew or upgrade your subscription.
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