Sports
Who’s Competing for What in Nigeria’s Betting Market
Nigeria’s sports betting market is entering a period of intensified competition. On one side is PariPesa, which has been established in the country since 2019. On the other is Secretbet, which entered the Nigerian market in 2025 with an ambitious technology-driven strategy. The clash between the two models spans virtually every layer of the product: from sign-up speed and mobile apps to bonus mechanics, payment infrastructure, and language localization. This race for digital dominance is setting the pace for the entire industry and pushing both platforms to rapidly improve service quality.
Key figures that show the scale
A comparison of key metrics makes it possible to assess the scale of the rivalry. PariPesa has operated in Nigeria since 2019, has accumulated more than 4 million registered users, offers over 10,000 events daily with a margin (overround) from 5.2% to 5.71%, supports 28 payment methods with no cryptocurrency options, and the interface is available in English and French. Secretbet launched in the country in 2025, already has an audience of around 1 million users, and is targeting 2 million users across Africa by the end of 2026. Its betting offering is similar: more than 10,000 events per day, with the margin in the same range. However, it already supports 43 payment methods, 35 of them crypto-based, and the interface languages include Hausa.
In addition, offshore betting platforms—bookmakers with international licenses—also operate in Nigeria. An analysis of data from the website www.bookabetrw.com, compared with information from other resources, showed that the list of operators is the same as in Rwanda, Kenya, Cameroon, and other African countries. This points to the market’s strong potential, making the PariPesa–Secretbet rivalry easier to understand.
Experience and brand recognition vs. technological speed
PariPesa bets on the scale of its user base and its reputation, while Secretbet builds its positioning around rapid growth and a digital-first model. PariPesa’s more traditional interface, similar in style to European sportsbooks, is familiar to experienced bettors. Before entering Nigeria, Secretbet was already present in six African countries, including Kenya and Ghana, and is aggressively growing its user base by attracting younger users.
Parity in betting lines, competition on service
In terms of the breadth of the betting offering and the margin level, the platforms have effectively reached parity, so the winner will be the platform that offers a more convenient user experience. Both companies list more than 10,000 events daily, and the margin fluctuates within 5.2%–5.71%. That is why the rivalry is shifting to UX, promotions, and payment solutions.
Secretbet lowers the barrier to entry, PariPesa keeps it classic
The new player aims to make the first step as fast as possible, while the incumbent market leader sticks to a proven onboarding flow. PariPesa offers sign-up via email and phone number; Secretbet has introduced one-click sign-up and third-party sign-in via Telegram, X, and Apple ID.
The battle for a spot on the smartphone home screen
PariPesa relies on official app stores, while Secretbet chooses more flexible distribution channels.
- PariPesa distributes native apps via the iOS App Store and a standalone Android installation file (APK); updates go through the standard app-store release cycle; installing the Android version triggers free bets.
- Secretbet uses a Progressive Web App (PWA) and an APK with automatic monthly updates, bypassing app-store restrictions and emphasizing accessibility without unnecessary friction.
Generous classic bonuses vs. “unique mechanics”
PariPesa retains users with a long sequence of bonuses and a loyalty program, while Secretbet offers mechanics that sustain activity even with a minimal balance. More specifically:
- PariPesa provides a sports welcome bonus of up to ₦180,000, a casino package of up to ₦2.5 million, and a “Promo Code Store,” where loyalty points can be redeemed for free bets.
- Secretbet launched Advancebet, which allows users to place bets using virtual funds against unsettled bets, and refunds 100% of the stake (as cash, not a free bet) on accumulators of 7 events or more if only one leg loses. PariPesa has a similar feature, “Accumulator Shield,” but the compensation format differs.
Familiar banking or an expanded fintech matrix with cryptocurrencies
PariPesa is more deeply integrated into Nigeria’s traditional banking infrastructure. Its 28 methods include Monnify, Flutterwave, and USSD, but cryptocurrencies are not available. Secretbet expands the choice to 43 methods, 35 of which are crypto-based, targeting a younger, tech-savvy audience.
Language expansion into the north
Secretbet is moving into Nigeria’s northern regions through cultural and language localization, adding a Hausa interface to reach Kano, Katsina, and Sokoto states. PariPesa for now is limited to a universal pair: English and French.
What this means for Nigerian bettors
Competition between the two models is accelerating product improvements at every level. Sign-up is getting easier, and mobile apps more flexible. Promotional mechanics are becoming more complex and diverse, offering not only welcome bonuses but also compensation and retention features. Payment choice is expanding through cryptocurrencies, and language localization is, for the first time in a long while, covering regional languages. The market is becoming more transparent and increasingly focused on the end user.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The deal between Arsenal Football Club and Emirates has been renewed, making it one of the longest-running and most recognisable partnerships in world sport.
Both parties first came together as partners in 2006 and have since built one of football’s defining partnerships. Spanning the entire Emirates Stadium era, the relationship has evolved alongside the club – supporting Arsenal’s ambitions, strengthening both organisations’ global reach and creating new ways for supporters around the world to connect with Arsenal.
The latest deal will see Emirates continue as the Champions’ front-of-shirt, training kit and stadium naming rights partner through to 2033.
The renewal comes at a pivotal moment in the club’s history following its recent Premier League title. The new agreement will build on many of the flagship initiatives that have defined the partnership, including the Emirates Cup, which brings world-class football to Emirates Stadium each summer, and Global Gooners, which gives supporters from around the world the opportunity to experience Arsenal in North London for the first time.
The next chapter of the partnership will begin this weekend as Arsenal welcome Borussia Dortmund to North London for the Emirates Cup, with a programme of anniversary activity celebrating more than two decades of shared history while looking ahead to the next chapter still to be written. Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, will attend alongside Arsenal senior leadership as part of the celebrations.
Launching alongside the partnership renewal is a new cinematic film featuring Arsenal legend Per Mertesacker. Set inside an antique shop filled with objects from across the Emirates era, the film celebrates two decades of shared memories between Arsenal, Emirates and our supporters, reflecting on the history we’ve made together and the moments still to come.
“Winning the Premier League is an incredibly proud moment in our club’s history and one that belongs to everyone connected with Arsenal. Emirates has been an integral part of this success – standing alongside us throughout this journey and sharing in the defining moments, challenges and successes that have shaped our club over the past two decades,” the chief executive of Arsenal, Mr Richard Garlick, stated.
On his part, the President of Emirates Airline, Sir Tim Clark, said, “Over the last two decades, Emirates and Arsenal have built something that goes far beyond a traditional partnership, and one we are immensely proud of. We have grown alongside the club through changes of era and ambition, united by a shared goal of bringing people closer to what they love.
“In practice, that has meant reaching the millions who follow Arsenal across the Emirates network and beyond and creating experiences for them that neither of us could have done alone.”
Nigeria’s Super Falcons will look to secure their place in the quarter-finals when they face Egypt in their final Group C match on Wednesday at 9:00 pm at the ongoing WAFCON 2026 in Morocco.
The defending champions bounced back from their disappointing 3-2 defeat to Malawi with a crucial 1-0 victory over Zambia and will now be aiming to finish the group stage strongly. All the matches of the tournament air live on SuperSport via DStv and GOtv.
The final matchday of Group A saw hosts Morocco play out a goalless draw with Senegal, a result that was enough to send Morocco through to the quarter-finals in first position in their group. Algeria also secured their place in the knockout stages after a 2-0 victory over Kenya, bringing their group-stage campaign to a strong close.
Tuesday, Group B will conclude with Burkina Faso facing South Africa before Tanzania takes on Ivory Coast. South Africa and Ivory Coast played out a 2-2 draw in their previous match, while Burkina Faso bounced back from their opening defeat with a 2-1 victory over Tanzania. With the group still to be decided, the final results will determine which teams join the quarter-final line-up.
All eyes will then turn to Group C on Wednesday, where Egypt will face Nigeria, and Malawi will take on Zambia, with both matches kicking off at 9:00 pm. The Super Falcons will be hoping to build on their victory over Zambia and secure the result they need to advance to the knockout stages, while Egypt will be looking to end their campaign on a positive note after suffering a 3-1 defeat to Malawi in their previous game.
Nigeria’s final group match comes after a difficult start to their title defence. The Super Falcons were stunned 3-2 by Malawi in their opening game but responded with a 1-0 victory over Zambia to revive their campaign. The ten-time champions will now need to complete the job against Egypt as they look to keep their hopes of retaining the continental crown alive.
The final group-stage fixtures on Thursday will see Ghana take on Mali, and Cape Verde face Cameroon on Thursday, with both matches also scheduled for 9:00 pm. Ghana suffered a 1-0 defeat to Cameroon in their previous outing, while Mali secured a 3-2 victory over Cape Verde. The final results will determine which teams progress to the knockout stages from Group D.
Matchday 3 Fixtures
Tuesday, August 4
Burkina Faso vs South Africa – 9:00 pm
Tanzania vs Ivory Coast – 9:00 pm
Wednesday, August 5
Egypt vs Nigeria – 9:00 pm
Malawi vs Zambia – 9:00 pm
Thursday, August 6
Cape Verde vs Cameroon – 9:00 pm
Mali vs Ghana – 9:00 pm
SuperSport Brings All the Live Action
Catch every match of WAFCON Morocco 2026 live on SS Football (Ch. 202, GOtv Ch. 61) and SS Football Plus (DStv Ch. 202) on DStv and GOtv. Fans can also stream every match live on DStv Stream from ₦6,000, with no decoder or dish required.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
At least for the next four seasons, DStv and GOtv subscribers are guaranteed access to all UEFA men’s club matches on SuperSport.
This is because CANAL+, the parent company of MultiChoice, which owns DStv and GOtv, has secured the exclusive broadcast rights to all UEFA men’s club competitions across Sub-Saharan Africa through 2031, ensuring SuperSport will continue to broadcast the UEFA Champions, Europa and Conference Leagues live to DStv and GOtv subscribers.
The four-season agreement, which begins with the 2027/28 campaign, covers more than 40 countries across the region and includes exclusive rights to the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League.
In English- and Portuguese-speaking Africa, SuperSport will continue as the exclusive broadcaster of UEFA club competitions, bringing the continent’s biggest European club matches to DStv and GOtv subscribers. The agreement also restores full UEFA Champions League coverage on CANAL+ Sport channels in French-speaking Africa, alongside the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League.
The rights deal further strengthens CANAL+’s sports portfolio, which already includes major football competitions such as the Premier League, LALIGA EA SPORTS, Ligue 1, the Betway Premiership and the ongoing TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026.
The agreement ensures football fans across Sub-Saharan Africa will continue to enjoy live coverage of Europe’s premier club competitions on SuperSport when the new rights cycle begins in 2027.
“We are very proud of this new partnership, which gives us exclusive rights to all UEFA Men’s Club competitions across more than 40 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.
“For four seasons, until 2031, our subscribers will enjoy the thrill of the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League’s biggest matches. Today, CANAL+ offers the most attractive sports line-up across Sub-Saharan Africa, and the acquisition of these rights is a perfect illustration of that.
“We would like to extend our sincere thanks to UC3 and to the teams at Relevent for once again placing their trust in CANAL+, following our recent agreements in France, Switzerland, Belgium, Poland and Austria,” the chief executive of CANAL+, Mr Maxime Saada, stated.
