People say that football is bigger than religion in Nigeria, and nothing can be more accurate. From a school going kid to the grandpa who sits outside his home basking in the afternoon sun, football is alive and kicking at all times in the country. What makes the enthusiasm around the game all the more exciting is that sports betting is legal in Nigeria and people can actually make money from watching their favourite sport.
The love for football sees no colour or borders and most fans across the planet follow the game no matter where a team plays. There are, however, individual tournaments that have captivated the football nation more, and these competitions typically attract the best teams and players to show their talent. Nigerians’ admiration for the game makes them take interest is matches that might be taking place halfway across the earth, with the same enthusiasm they show when a home team plays an important game.
Among some of these essential football competitions, held annually, are the Premier League, Europa Cup, and Champion’s League played between clubs in Europe. For South America, Copa America is the ultimate tournament and includes invitee nations such as Qatar and Japan along with most South American countries.
Not one to ever let go of football, since
the European season has come to an end, Nigerian fans have now moved their
attention towards Copa America, commencing in mid-June. With football stars
such as Messi playing for Argentina, it promises to be
quite the kicker, and Nigerian fans, bookmakers, and punters are waiting in
anticipation of how the new season will fare out.
Betting enthusiasts in Nigeria should be looking at favourable odds right about now if they want to make the most of Copa America. A look at expert football predictions tells us that Brazil and Argentina are the top contenders to lift the cup, whereas Messi, Neymar, and Suarez are most likely going to be the top goal scorers. However, even though bookies have not counted in Chile as a strong team, one must not forget that they are the present champions and very much capable of causing an upset like they did last year.
Moving on to other football competitions, if you want to understand the kind of fanaticism that engrosses football, you’ll be amazed to find that bookmakers already have odds out for World Cup 2022. While it might not be possible for Nigerian football lovers to place a bet that far ahead, no matter how favourable, they can still set wagers on various qualifying games already in play. Most leading bookies have odds out daily for these matches, and with teams of diverse experiences playing, some of these games prove to be excellent opportunities to test the betting waters as well as make money on the go.
In the end, no matter the time of the year, football is always on the minds of Nigerians. We love the sport, we cherish every second of it, and best of all, we give it everything we’ve got, for it is the perfect sport that brings people together, whether you win or lose, in one joyous occasion.
