World Cup 2026 ticket holders are owed thousands of pounds by Fifa for tickets they resold on the tournament’s official marketplace, BBC Sport has found.
Fifa’s terms indicate payment should be made within 60 calendar days of a transaction,, external but some people who sold tickets on the website in early October have still not received their money.
Fifa, which has come under criticism for its World Cup ticket pricing, declined to provide a statement explaining the delays.
BBC Sport understands the issues stem from Fifa needing to obtain additional bank details from those affected before payments can be processed.
The tickets in question were part of the pre-sale draw which ran for 10 days in September, when one million tickets were made available.
Only Visa cardholders were eligible to apply. It is not known how many fans in total have been affected by the issue.
England supporter Iain is owed nearly £650 for a ticket he sold 65 days ago for Canada’s opening game in Toronto, money he had hoped to put towards England seats now the fixtures have been confirmed.
“Fifa are generating billions from this World Cup but can’t seem to do basic payment processing on time,” he said.
Mario Stroeykens’ hopes of making his DR Congo debut at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations have been dashed after he sustained a knee injury just eight days before kick-off in Morocco.
The 21-year-old attacking midfielder, who represented Belgium at youth level, was granted approval to switch his allegiance to the Leopards on November 14 after being called up for their 2026 World Cup playoff tie against Nigeria.
Stroeykens was an unused substitute as Sebastien Desabre’s side beat the Super Eagles 4-3 on penalties in the CAF qualifying final, although he still made the 26-man squad for the African showpiece.
However, the Anderlecht youngster has now been ruled out of AFCON as a result of the injury he picked up in the 2-1 win over Sint-Truiden on Saturday.
The Belgian giants announced that Stroeykens will be sidelined for “four to six weeks”, leading to his withdrawal from Desabre’s squad and Gael Kakuta has subsequently been called up as his replacement.
The Victor Ikpeba 5-A-Side Football Challenge kicked off as scheduled in Warri on Thursday, December 18.
The start came with a bang as the total prize money increased from N1m to N1.5m just as the first shot was being taken.
The organizer of the competition, and former Super Eagles attacker Victor Ikpeba, said he was able to increase the prize money because of the support he received from High Chief Peter Esievo, the Managing Director of Global Services Limited.
Ikpeba said, “I say thank you to Chief Esievo from the depths of my heart. His support that has come through Global Services Limited has made a lot of difference for us in the pursuit of better organization and results for this community-based competition.
The mini-football tournament being held at 3 Battalion Army Barracks, Effurun, got into the quarter-final stage on Thursday following a knockout play that saw 24 teams battle fiercely for a place closer to the trophy.
Ariya Networks have secured the rights to broadcast in Nigeria the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) which holds in Morocco between December 21 and January .
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos on Thursday, December 18, the Chief Executive Officer of Ariya Networks, Dr Idris Olagoke Badmus, said the AFCON broadcast aligns with the company’s broader vision of building a global, African-owned media platform.
“Ariya Networks globally launched this month in New York City. We are a registered broadcasting corporation with a license to broadcast globally and our holding company, Amni Corporation, has been operating in the United States for the past 11 years,” Badmus said.
He noted that the network was conceived to address long-standing gaps in global media representation for people of African descent. According to him, despite being over 1.6 billion globally, Black communities remain underrepresented and misrepresented in international media narratives.
“We are 1.6 billion Black people in the world, yet the world treats us like a minority,” he said. “There are only six major global news organizations, and Ariya Networks is the sixth. The difference is that we are not here to follow the same political template that was handed down to us. That is not our news.”
Badmus explained that while most global news platforms focus heavily on politics, Ariya Networks prioritises social economy, culture, innovation and inter-African collaboration.
Badmus said AFCON provided a strategic entry point for Ariya Networks to introduce its mission to a wider African audience. He announced that the tournament, which kicks off on December 21, will be broadcast live on two Ariya Sports channels, with on-demand streaming also available for viewers who miss matches or wish to rewatch highlights and analyses.
“AFCON came as an opportunity for us to introduce our intention,” he said. “From December 21, we will broadcast all matches on two of our channels. Beyond live games, viewers will be able to stream matches afterward, replay goals and access our in-depth analysis.”
He described Ariya Networks as a hybrid platform combining live television and on-demand streaming, with six live TV channels and over 300 titles currently available.
“We are a combination of Netflix, Amazon Prime and live broadcasting. That is what makes us unique,” Badmus said.
Meanwhile, the CEO has announced plans to launch the Ariya Boxing Classic in June 2026, featuring boxers from eight West African countries competing in a structured, televised tournament designed to produce world champions within five years.
“We are not talking about European leagues. We are talking about African leagues,” he said. “The difference between African sports and European sports is not talent; it is direction and intention. Senegal, Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone – the talent is there. What we lack is investment and platforms.”
Badmus argued that Africa’s heavy consumption of European and American sports content has contributed to the underdevelopment of local leagues. “If we spend half the energy we use watching European football on our own continent, we will develop ourselves,” he said.
On pricing, Ariya Networks announced a three-tier subscription model for Nigerian viewers, Free, Basic and Premium which have been made affordable.
He added that Ariya Networks is available on smart TVs and mobile devices, including Android and Apple platforms, and is accessible on major app stores alongside established global streaming services. The AFCON broadcast license covers 32 markets in Nigeria, a limitation he attributed to channel capacity rather than content restrictions, assuring viewers they would not miss key matches.
For Kikelomo Christiana Akinluyi, it was a life well spent. As at the time she passed on to eternal glory on April 1, 2024 at age 60, this Ikere Ekiti born fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), had almost completed the cycle. A former General Manager (Controls) at Ibile Holdings, an investment company of the Lagos State Government, Akinluyi, excelled in everything she laid her hands on while in this part of the divide.
At Ibile Holdings, she was regarded as a torchbearer because she inspired her team to work towards the targeted goal of the organisation. When she left the company in 2013 and established her own enterprise – Blue Ribon Events & Hall – many people thought she would slow down, but they were all proved wrong. Indeed, it was here her leadership and managerial attributes became more pronounced. Till her last day in office, Mrs. Akinluyi gave her workers and clients the best they could get.
But to the late Kikelomo’s family and friends, especially her darling husband, Mr. Olaoluwa Akinluyi, also a Chartered Accountant, the best of the late compassionate woman, was the time and resources she dedicated in lifting others and bringing smiles into the faces of many people who encountered her. This explains why the husband rallied members of his immediate family, friends, and a few colleagues of his late wife to conceptualize Kikelomo Christianah Akinluyi Charity Foundation (Kaycee Foundation) immediately Mrs. Akinluyi was buried.
In line with the biblical record of honoring the memory of loved ones, even after their death, as demonstrated by David while mourning Saul and Jonathan, and Jeremiah who composed laments for King Josiah, Laolu Akinluyi believes that Kaycee Foundation would enable him and those that believe in what his late wife stood for, to sustain her good spirit through lifting others and keeping hopes alive.
As part of the activities being put in place to immortalise and continue with the various humanitarian gestures of Mrs. Akinluyi, the foundation was recently inaugurated to provide relief and support programmes for members of the public.
Speaking at the inauguration of the foundation in Aramoko Ekiti, Mr. Akinluyi announced that a N250 million endowment fund has been earmarked for the foundation. He further stated that the foundation would provide relief and support for residents of Aramoko-Ekiti community and other members of the public.
He explained that the foundation was established to immortalise Mrs. Akinluyi, to preserve her values, compassion, and humanitarian spirit.
The Chartered Accountant, an indigene of Aramoko-Ekiti, said that the KAYCEE Foundation was a memorial project and not a springboard for political ambitions.
Akinluyi explained that the foundation’s interventions would focus on four pillars including health, education, feeding and economic empowerment with the aim of supporting students, youths, the aged, widows and other vulnerable groups in the town.
As part of its first humanitarian gestures, the Foundation had earlier installed hand-pump boreholes in five primary schools across Aramoko and distributed 250 packs of 25kg food items to 250 widows and aged women.
Reflecting on the journey leading to the establishment of the NGO, he revealed that the idea had been conceived 15 years ago, a joint initiative between him and his wife but following her demise, the family resolved to transform it into a memorial foundation.
He added that the N250m endowment fund would generate about N50 million annually through interest and dividends, which would be dedicated to the running of the foundation’s programmes as well as administrative operations.
The Bishop of the Anglican Church, Ekiti West Diocese, Rt. Rev. Cornelius Oludare Adagbada described the project as a rare gesture that would bring relief to many households.
Earlier, the chairman of the event and childhood friend of the late entrepreneur, Dr. Janet Agbaje had called on friends, former schoolmates, and former colleagues of her late friend to support the Akinluyi family in achieving the objectives of the foundation. “I want us all to rise up and give Kaycee Foundation the attention it deserves because were she to be alive, Kikelomo would do more for friends and even acquaintances,” Agbaje stated.
Also, at the event, a book of Tributes, ‘HeartPrint’, edited by Akin Oluwadare Jnr, a banker and leadership coach, was unveiled. In the foreword of the book, Tawakalitu Adeyinka Yusuf, a bosom friend of late Kikelomo, aptly described KC Foundation as a testament to her friend’s enduring legacy. May the beautiful soul of Mrs. Akinluyi continues to rest in peace.
Speaking at the third edition of the annual banquet, Deaconess Oborevwori expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to once again celebrate with market women, whom she described as the backbone of local commerce and critical drivers of Delta State’s economy.
Items presented by Deaconess Oborevwori to the 250 market women delegation, including their leader, comprised 251 bags of rice, 251 sets of kitchen utensils, and cash support to assist their families during the festive season.
She explained that the initiative, which commenced in 2023, was conceived to recognise and uplift market women who are often overlooked despite their vital role in sustaining families and driving grassroots economic activities.
Highlighting specific outcomes of the programme, the Delta State First Lady disclosed that 250 market women benefited from the 2025 banquet, with participants drawn from all 25 local government areas of the state, representing 10 beneficiaries from each local government.
Deaconess Oborevwori further underscored her administration’s commitment to empowering market women through initiatives such as the International Women’s Day trade fairs held over the past two years. She noted that the most recent trade fair showcased the skills of market women across the state in the packaging and preservation of indigenous produce for export, demonstrating the potential of local markets to become major drivers of economic growth in a rapidly evolving global economy.
Commending the resilience of the women, she acknowledged the challenges they face in managing businesses while simultaneously raising families, describing them as a true reflection of the strength and perseverance of womanhood.
Reassuring the traders of sustained government support, Deaconess Oborevwori said the MORE Agenda of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration fully accommodates the interests of market women.
She cited the Widows Empowerment Scheme, which benefited over 10,000 widows earlier in the year—many of whom are market women, as evidence of the administration’s commitment to inclusive economic empowerment.
The First Lady also lauded the Coordinator of the Market Women Association, Mrs Kate Onah, and her team for their efforts in coordinating market activities across the state.
She urged the association to intensify sensitisation on the importance of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), encouraging traders to actively participate in governance.
She emphasised that the banquet was designed as a moment of celebration and appreciation rather than lengthy speeches, adding that food, drinks and take-home tokens were provided for all participants as a gesture of gratitude.
Deaconess Oborevwori assured the market women that the end-of-year banquet had come to stay and encouraged them to remain intentional in their businesses and relationships with customers.
Speaking on behalf of the market women, the President of the Market Women Association in Delta State, Chief Kate Onah, commended the sustained recognition of market women over the past two years by the Governor’s wife.
She pledged their continued support for the implementation of the MORE Agenda and promised to mobilise women across the state to register for their PVCs ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Nigerian Army has inaugurated 60 housing units comprising two- and three-bedroom flats, at Akobo in Ibadan, Oyo State, and allocated five percent of the houses free of charge to soldiers who sustained disabilities in the line of duty.
Seventy percent of the housing units were also reserved for soldiers at highly subsidized rates, as part of the Nigerian Army’s ongoing efforts to enhance the welfare of its personnel.
According to a statement by Army’s spokesperson, Colonel Apollonia Anele, on Friday, the housing units are part of the Nigerian Army’s ongoing Affordable Home Ownership Option for All Soldiers (AHOOAS) Housing Scheme.
A shopping complex was also inaugurated under the Post Service Housing Development Limited (PHDL).
According to the statement, the projects were inaugurated by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, alongside senior military officers, officials of the Oyo State Government, and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.
The COAS emphasized that affordable housing remains a critical pillar of the Nigerian Army’s transformation agenda, in line with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He noted that the project is a practical demonstration of the Nigerian Army’s “Soldier First” philosophy, noting that access to decent and affordable housing is central to troop morale, operational effectiveness, and post-service stability.
“The AHOOAS scheme is designed to ensure that soldiers retire in dignity, with secure home ownership in locations of their choice,” he said.
The Army Chief said the expansion of the scheme to Ibadan, Benin, Jos, Akwa Ibom, and other locations was informed by the successes of the pilot phase in Idu, Abuja, which, he said, delivered over 400 housing units.
He said plans are also underway to fast-track home ownership for Army Warrant Officers.
While commending the Oyo State Government for its sustained support to military formations, and traditional institutions for promoting peace and cooperation, General Shaibu urged other state governments to support the scheme by allocating land for future phases.
He praised Post Service Housing Development Limited (PHDL) for its professionalism and acknowledged Family Homes Funds Limited for partnering with the Nigerian Army to build 50 housing units for widows of fallen heroes.
Following the recent arraignment by the Department of State Security (DSS) of Abdulmalik Abdulazeez Obadaki, the suspected mastermind of the 2012 gun attack on a Deeper Life Bible Church, Otite, near Okene, in Kogi State, which killed over 19 worshippers, families of victims and survivors have thanked the secret police for re-arresting and speeding up Obadaki’s trial.
The victims, their families, survivors, as well as residents of the town, expressed satisfaction with they described as the speed and vigour with which the new DSS leadership is prosecuting Obadaki, even as they affirmed their faith in the ability of the court to dispense justice.
On the morning of August 7, 2012, three men armed with AK-47 assault rifles opened fire on a Bible study session of the Deeper Life Bible Church, Otite.
At the end of the attack, 15 worshippers lay dead. Four others later died from injuries they sustained during the attack.
Several dozens more were injured during the attack believed to be the handiwork of Ansaru terrorist group.
After the Okene church attack, Obadaki reportedly led a gang that raided five commercial banks in Uromi, Edo State, killed several persons and carted away huge sums of cash.
He was trailed and arrested by security forces and remanded at the Kuje Prison but escaped shortly during the July 2022 jailbreak at the Kuje Custodial Centre.
On November 15, 2025, the DSS announced recapture of the fugitive Ansaru leader.
Six days later, the secret police arraigned Obadaki before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the federal high court, Abuja, on a six-count charge bordering on terrorism, conspiracy, aiding attacks, concealment of information, and escape from lawful custody.
When the charges were read, Obadaki pleaded guilty only to count six, which relates to escaping from lawful custody.
Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the case to January 26, 2026 but added that the defendant should remain in the custody of the DSS pending the next hearing.
Residents of Otite said they were happy with the DSS for re-arresting the Ansaru leader, and for the swiftness with which the secret police arraigned him, saying the moves showed that “the DSS has indeed changed.”
One of the community leaders said: “In fact, before now, we had given up on ever getting justice. And you won’t blame us. After attacking the Deeper Life Church in out town, they moved to attack banks in Uromi. We, therefore, were happy to hear that he was arrested.
“The long years this Obadaki spent without trial began to sow seeds of doubt in our hearts. If you Google Otite today, what you’ll see is that terrorists attacked our Deeper Life Bible Church.
“We still live with the scars of that attack. The next thing we heard in 2022 was that he escaped during the Kuje jail break.
“Suddenly, like a bolt from the blues, we heard in mid -November that the DSS recaptured him. Given all that we have heard concerning the new DSS leadership, and the way the new leadership quickly arraigned him, out cautious optimism has since given way to rekindled faith and hope that true change has come. Somehow, we believe that things will be different this time around, and we would get justice from our courts.”
Nigerian-British heavyweight Anthony Joshua on Saturday knocked out American boxer Jake Paul in a heavyweight bout in Miami, United States.
The contest, scheduled for eight three-minute rounds—shorter than a standard heavyweight fight—ended in the sixth round when Joshua floored Paul for the fourth time with a crushing right hand to claim his 26th career knockout.
Paul, 28, a social media influencer-turned-boxer with seven knockouts, exceeded pre-fight expectations by surviving into the second half of the contest. He showed resilience under pressure but struggled to contain Joshua’s power and experience.
Joshua asserted full control in a dramatic fifth round, dropping Paul twice before closing the fight in the sixth with a sustained barrage of heavy punches.
Speaking after the bout, Joshua admitted the performance was not flawless but said the result was decisive. “It wasn’t the best performance. It took a bit longer than expected, but the right hand finally found its destination,” he said.
He praised Paul’s courage and determination, noting his ability to repeatedly beat the count. “Jake did well tonight. He got up time and time again. It takes a man to keep trying in there, and he deserves respect for that,” Joshua added.
Joshua said the fight marked a successful return after a 15-month layoff and signalled his readiness for bigger challenges ahead. He called on Tyson Fury to step into the ring next, saying the heavyweight division needed a genuine test.
Paul, who revealed that he suffered a broken jaw during the fight, declined to name his next opponent. He said he would take time away from boxing following his second professional defeat.
The way Nigerians spend their free time has changed and diversified in the last several years. From being limited to Facebook, Nigerians now have a multitude of digital options to choose from.
You can easily switch from watching SamSpedy on YouTube to streaming the latest Burna Boy songs on Spotify. When taking the bus from Abuja to Kaduna, you can kill time by playing video games or even placing a bet online.
While all these have been made possible by technology, our culture as Nigerians has also played a significant role.
This article explores what modern Nigerian digital entertainment looks like and the cultural drivers behind it. We’ll also show you how to filter digital choices to find the options that suit you best.
What Does Nigeria’s Digital Ecosystem Look Like?
Nigeria’s digital downtime habits have evolved with new technologies. Instead of spending long hours on any one platform, Nigerians now switch from one entertainment category to another.
Nowadays, the country’s digital downtime is broken into micro-sessions throughout the day. A Gen Z may listen to the latest Naija hits while commuting to work, but during lunch time, you’ll find them scrolling through Instagram or TikTok. After work, it’s time to binge-watch on Netflix.
The different entertainment choices are what make Nigeria’s digital ecosystem rich and diverse. As you’ll see below, there are four main categories that define the country’s digital leisure landscape.
Music Streaming
Nigeria’s music industry has been growing exponentially, producing artists that dominate the global stage. It’s no surprise that music streaming takes up a significant portion of Nigeria’s downtime as youths listen to their favourite artists.
According to the Semrush October 2025 report, the most visited music streaming platforms in Nigeria include:
Spotify and TrendyBeatz: Over 3.1M monthly visits, with 3 million people accessing TrendyBeatz via mobile.
CeeNaija: About 1.78M monthly visits.
Boomplay: About 1.34M monthly visits.
Audiomack: About 1.22 monthly visits.
9jarocks: About 1.28M monthly visits.
Movie and TV Show Streaming
Nigeria is the major player in Africa’s movie industry, releasing about 2500 movies every year. Nollywood fans spend their digital leisure binge-watching these movies on platforms like iROKOtv, Showmax, and even YouTube.
Youths who love watching international movies and TV shows spend their evenings and weekends streaming on popular platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
In this modern age, Gen Zs are leading the pack when it comes to social media connectivity. With smartphone usage and internet penetration rising, more people are joining social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter).
Nigerians are known for being active on social media, spending considerable amounts of their leisure time on these platforms. For most, it’s not just for entertainment but also for staying connected to friends and the digital world.
Short-Form Content
In recent years, the popularity of short-form content has shot through the roof. At the top of the list is TikTok, which has created Naija stars who create short videos that go viral.
For example, Anita Natacha Akide, known as Symply Tacha, has amassed over 17 million likes and 1.5 million followers on TikTok.
Besides TikTok, Instagram and Facebook Reels are also popular short-form platforms in Nigeria. Youths spend hours watching trends that include fun videos and dance skits on TikTok and other platforms.
Nigeria’s Love for Mobile Games and Esports
The Nigeria Gaming and Esports Report 2025 shows that Nigeria has about 46.6 million active gamers, with 90% using mobile for gaming. According to this report, Nigeria’s culture of casual gaming in cafes has transformed into esports backed by technology and creativity.
This culture has influenced youths to adopt digital games as they provide instant gratification, fun challenges, and a way to connect with others. The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture & the Creative Economy recognises video gaming as a significant strategy for creating jobs and exporting Nigerian culture.
While Nigerians enjoy popular esports like FIFA, there are games based on local culture that have gained significant traction. Maliyo Games, as one example, partnered with Disney Games to create an African-inspired game, Disney Iwájú: Rising Chef, that involves cooking Nigerian cuisines such as jollof rice.
The Online Gambling Boom in Nigeria
Nigeria’s digital entertainment goes beyond Nollywood and Afrobeats. With increased internet and mobile usage, online gambling in Nigeria has also been rising. Nigerians already love sports like football, and adding betting to the thrill is like the cherry on the cake.
Sports enthusiasts can place wagers on their favourite teams for a chance to win some extra Naira. While predicting games can be exciting, it’s essential to do it right to avoid legal issues. You should understand how different gambling platforms operate, their licensing, and local betting regulations.
For example, sportsbooks allow you to wager on sports, while online casinos usually offer casino games such as slots, poker, and blackjack. If you want a piece of both, there are hybrid platforms that offer both a sportsbook and an online casino. You can learn more about them and more at CasinoHawks.com and other such sites.
While the Nigerian government has policies and regulations in place to ensure safe and responsible gambling, it is still essential to do your due diligence. That’s why players rely on third-party comparison sites when looking for reliable betting sites. You can also gain valuable insights by checking out international gaming-industry resources.
How to Choose the Best Digital Option in Nigeria
Source: Freepik
Nigerians love exploring new innovations, including digital choices. However, the culture of seeking guidance from elders still lingers in the hearts of Nigerians. That explains why most people seek out information from other sources before trying out something new.
One of the ways Nigerians filter digital choices is through consumer forums like Reddit and Quora. Here, you can read what other people think about specific online games, platforms, and movies.
You can also find tech blogs that review new apps and share unbiased opinions about them. There are also comparison sites that assess the best streaming platforms, analyse sports, and more.
The rise of YouTube reviewers has also changed the way Nigerians make digital choices. These YouTubers upload videos with detailed reviews of various platforms or apps, helping people make informed digital choices.
How the Nigerian Culture Influences Digitalisation
Nigeria’s digital downtime habits have been influenced by several factors that have changed how we do things. First is internet penetration, with various internet providers offering affordable data plans. Smartphone usage has also increased in cities and even villages, making it easier to access mobile games and social media.
The rise of a young, digitally savvy generation has also accelerated the move to digital leisure. Gen Zs and Millennials are attracted to social media, esports, and other forms of digital downtime habits. Besides using social media for fun, many youths have found ways to earn an income on social media.
And since the hustle culture in Nigeria is still alive, youths switch to social media in search of better opportunities. Those working manual jobs lean towards short bursts of entertainment like TikTok due to their limited time.
While Nigeria’s digital move mirrors global patterns, it stands apart due to the unique connection to local culture and flavour. The entertainment isn’t just about trends but also real stories with Naija vibes. You can witness this as you listen to Afrobeats that combine different languages or Nollywood films that portray various cultures and real villages.
Our Parting Shot
Nigerians aren’t just consuming content on social media but also shaping Africa’s digital entertainment identity. Using creativity, real stories, and our unique culture, this generation is creating new opportunities and putting the country on the global map.
As internet and smartphone penetration increase, the digital ecosystem will also continue expanding. In the future, the internet will not just be for leisure but also a significant job creator and economic booster.
