Before you start visiting betting sites and throw yourself into betting on football, it is important to learn how to bet on football first. That way, you can make more informed decisions, which will provide you with better chances to win.

Best football events to bet on

In this section, you will find details about the most prestigious soccer competitions and tournaments that the sports world is eagerly anticipating. It is vital that you familiarise yourself with the events that carry a great significance in this particular sport if you want to learn how to bet on football and succeed.

FIFA World Cup

Probably the most watched football competition in the world, whose finals are viewed by more than one billion people from all the corners of the globe. It was inaugurated in 1930 and is held every four years. During the FIFA World Cup, 32 countries compete for the title, but Brazil holds the reins, as of now, with a total of five World Cups.

Africa Cup of Nations

If you feel you want to bet on Africa Cup of Nations (aka AFCON), this is your moment. Last years 2019 Africa Cup of Nations was the 32nd edition and was organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

This years tournament took place from 21 June – 19 July and will be hosted by Egypt. After Nigeria’s entry to the 2019 AFCON, nearly all Nigerians want to bet on their country. So, betting on Super Eagles is more than a necessity!

That aside, the AFCON is a tournament that was first awarded in 1957. At that time, the only participants were Sudan, Ethiopia, and Egypt. Egypt who is a 7-time Cup holder, which makes it the most successful nation in the history of the tournament.

Today, AFCON has turned into one of the top 3 Nigerian football events and a tournament enjoying world fame and prestige. A total of 24 participants fought for the Africa Cup this year. The tournament is held in odd-numbered years as a means to not collide with the FIFA World Cup.

When Egypt was chosen to replace Cameroon as hosts of the AFCON 2019, the exact dates of the tournament were also switched to summer instead of winter.  Algeria defeated Senegal 1–0 in the final. winning their second title since they last won in 1990. Nigeria came third after beating Tunisia 1–0 in their third-place play-off match. Cameroon will receive a second chance as a host so don’t miss your chance to bet on the AFCON 2021.

The 2021 Africa Cup of Nations is scheduled to be the 33rd edition of the AFCON. The tournament will take place in Cameroon in June 2021.We can highly recommend betting on the 2021 AFCON and we look forward to some exciting games coming up!

UEFA Champions League

First known as the European Champion Club’s Cup, the UEFA Champions League takes place every year and is followed by millions of soccer follower. At first, it was a Europe-strictly event but has now expanded into accepting several teams from other countries outside Europe too.

All the action begins around June and concludes 11 months later with the crowing of the title holder, who also qualifies for the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup. At the moment, Real Madrid is the queen on the throne, with eleven cups.

Bet on Champions League at Bet9ja

FIFA Women’s World Cup

Previously known as the FIFA Women Championship, the FIFA Women’s World Cup got many Nigerians excited recently. It all happened when they saw the national women’s football team making it to the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup after winning the title at the 9th African Women Cup of Nations.

So, if you want to bet on Super Eagles, you have every right! Overall, the FIFA Women’s World Cup started in 1991 and is held every four years. As for the most successful nation in this tournament, that would be the United States, with three titles already (out of seven competitions).

Best Football Betting Sites

Learning how to bet on football also requires a medium that you can trust with your sports betting needs. Some of the best bookmakers in Nigeria offering generous welcome bonuses and promos to get started, competitive odds, a wealth of betting markets, and features that could enable you to watch your favourite games live are presented in the table below. Now, you do not only know how to bet on football but also who can make this endeavour as successful as it can be!

Bookmaker	Sign up bonus	Our rating
Bet9ja	100% deposit bonus up to 100,000 Naira	Rating 4.5/5
1xbet	100% up to 36,000 Naira	Rating 4/5
Surebet247	100% up to 25,000 Naira	Rating 3/5

Main football betting markets

The next step towards learning how to bet on football has to do with the available betting markets and the betting types you could start with. The list below provides the three most common ones.

1X2 Betting

It is potentially the most favoured type of bet that you can find at any betting website and enables you to win money if you guess the result of a full-time match right.

For example, in the Real Madrid vs. Ajax game shown in the screenshot below, you can support Real Madrid to win (odds 1.66), or back Ajax to come on top (odds 5.65) or bet on draw (odds are 4.14). If you predict it correctly, your bet is a win.

Double Chance

Following the example with Real Madrid and Ajax, if you decide to place a double chance bet you will need to bet on the result of the match. To be more specific, you should guess two results and if one of the guesses is correct, your bet wins.

For instance, you may either bet on Real to win or Draw (odds 1.175), Madrid to win or Draw (odds 2.42), or either Real of Madrid wins (1.28) – all predictions are grouped in twos.

As you may notice, this betting type offers lower odds than with the previous type. Nevertheless, it is a good option if you juggle between two or three outcomes and want to place a bet with a bit more confidence for it to be a win.

Correct Score

This betting type is another must-know when you learn how to bet on football. You will need to guess which of the two teams will eventually win the match and is recommended when you feel that one team will perform greatly that day. If you also have the odds on your side, then do go for it! Using the example with Real and Ajax, the odds are on Ajax to win. If your gut feeling says the same, you should definitely consider it.

Football Betting Strategies

Now that you know a few things about the prevailing bet types, time to move on to some betting strategies, which is an important aspect of your quest to learn how to bet on football. Here are some things to consider before you place a bet.

Head-to-Head

Getting your hands on these records will allow you to know how the team has performed over the years. Usually, we see a pattern when two teams play against one another throughout the years. One team tends to gets the better of the other in most matches for whatever reason. The only case to think twice about head-to-head records is when a team receives financial help (i.e. from sponsors). Chances are they will perform better in the future.

Current Form

Sports largely depend on athletes’ current form. Check, for example, whether a team won because its goalkeeper had a great day that day. Whatever information could tell you their form is appreciated.

Home Advantage

We have seen teams doing much better at home grounds than when playing at the opponent’s field. The previous Premier League, for example, showed that almost 1 in every 2 home teams won the matches. Do check it out.

Team Status

Are there any injuries? What is the condition of the replacement? Is the team tired? Could natural factors, such as excessive heat or high altitude, hurt players’ stamina?

Motivation

– If a team is playing its last card to make it to the finals, then they will play like lions to take the win. Or did their previous loss take a toll on them?

All these factors significantly impact the way in which you should bet. However, keep in mind that it is necessary to spend plenty of time researching to be in the position to better estimate which team is going to dominate the field.

The Nigerians have always loved sports, football in particular, so it is no wonder that some of the best online bookmakers are based in this country. For those of you now beginning your online sports betting journey, choosing which operator to register with can be a struggle. This guide makes things easier for you as it compares the 5 best online bookmakers to figure out who offers the best welcome bonus, sports betting markets, odds, and mobile platform(s).

The table below summarises the results.

What are the best online bookmakers in Nigeria?

The following table answers the question of which bookmaker is turned towards its customers the most.

Best online bookmakers	SureBet247	Bet9ja	Betway	1xbet
Welcome Bonus	100% up to NGN 25,000 4/5	100% up to NGN 100,000 5/5	50% up to NGN 20,000 3/5	100% up to ₦ 36,000 3/5
Sportsbook	3/5	4/5	5/5	3/5
Odds	4/5	5/5	3/5	4/5
Mobile app	4/5	3/5	4/5	4/5
Our mark:	3.75/5	4.25/5	3.7/5	3.5/5
	Bet now	Bet now	Bet now	Bet now

How We Picked Our Best Online Bookmakers

Naming the five best online bookmakers was the outcome of a long and in-depth analysis of several criteria. Our evaluation included their welcome bonus, the variety of markets each one offers, how user-friendly their mobile platform is and whether they offer dedicated apps, and how competitive their odds are.

After careful consideration of all the above, we have concluded that the best online operators that cater to the needs of Nigerian players are:

• Bet9ja
• SureBet247
• Betway
• 1xbet

Needless to say, you can pick whichever operator you feel will best suit your needs, even ones not on our list. Starting with any of those five, though, will ensure an excellent experience for sure.

Best Welcome Bonus: Bet9ja

In terms of welcome bonus amount, Bet9ja stands out as a top sports betting site for the fact that it welcomes new players with a 100% bonus up to 100,000 Naira.

Of course, the wagering requirements may be a bit stricter than that of, say, 1xbet or Betway, who reward bettors with 43,000 and 20,000 Naira respectively but, still, the fact that punters can claim such a generous bonus is definitely a plus.

For more details about the operator’s welcome bonus, you may visit our Bet9ja bonus code page.

Get the Bet9ja Bonus

 

Best Sportsbook: Betway

Betway is a betting website that comes forward with more than 12,000 markets and a strong, industry-first focus on esports betting markets to the point that it rivals the extremely popular betting markets of football, basketball, and tennis.

Next comes Bet9ja with around 10,000 betting options, followed by 1xbet, SureBet247, who both provide a lesser number of markets. Given the plethora of sports betting options, Betway rightfully holds a place among the five best online operators in Nigeria.

Check out Betways Sportsbook

Best Mobile App: SureBet247

The landscape changes again with SureBet247 and Betway fighting for the first place in the best online bookmakers’ list for the most mobile-friendly experience.

The first, offers the full package, a mobile site and dedicated apps for iOS and Android users, who can, among others, benefit from access to free football betting tips and prediction sources, and features such as live betting and esports betting.

The second, provides its mobile customers with two different mobile versions, depending on their needs, a full version and a lite version, which allow both new and old portable devices’ owners to enjoy their online sports betting endeavour, whether they have a good or poor internet connection.

The rest of the operators either offer a mobile platform and an Android app (see Betway and 1xbet) or only a mobile site (see bet9ja), so it all comes down to SureBet247 or Betway to claim a top position of the Best Online Bookmakers “match”.

For the fact that the first is more complete (mobile website + apps), it gets this round.

To know more about this topic, visit our page dedicated to Surebet247’s mobile application.

Get the Surebet247 app

Best Odds: bet9ja

If you are a huge fan of football, then 1xbet and SureBet247 will please you with market average odds, especially in the English Premier League and Champions League. But, if you want great all-around odds consistently, even with lesser-known leagues and events, then you will understand why bet9ja is one of the best online bookmakers in Nigeria. Let us demonstrate an example for you. In the Atletico Madrid vs. Villarreal match, betting 100 Naira on the victory of Atl. Madrid will earn you 155 Naira with bet9ja and 150 Naira with 1xbet.

Betway is a bit lacking in this particular area as its odds are rather average overall.

 

Best Online Bookmakers in Nigeria – FAQ

If you have questions about the best online bookmakers mentioned above, or in general, please have a look at the following section.

What do I need to register on an online betting site?

The most common requirements that need to be met so that you can register with any of the best online bookmakers in Nigeria are:

• You must be, at least, 18 years of age.
• You need to have a bank account (alternatively an e-wallet).
• You should be a Nigeria resident.
• Be able to demonstrate documents for the ID verifications process, such as a driving license.

How do I register in an online bookmaker?

You simply go through the sign-up process, where you will be asked to provide some personal details, such as name, last name, physical address, and phone number.

Is it safe to do deposits and withdrawals in online bookmakers?

If you register with a reliable operator, then definitely yes. You see, the best online bookmakers will take every measure possible to ensure their customers’ information and transactions are secure, such as the implementation of encryption technology. You can undoubtedly trust the best betting sites listed in this review.

Can I set a betting limit?

Properly licensed and regulated operators deeply care for their players and enable them to set betting limits if they feel they must.

Mobile betting comes in handy as it enables you to place bets, claim bonuses and promos, and watch your favourite matches live without having to be stuck in front of a computer. And for Nigerians, who absolutely love sports (and sports betting, judging by the many betting shops around the country), having the ability to enjoy a popular pastime from their mobile phones or tablets is a need that has to be fulfilled.

Now, choosing the best sports betting apps to sign up to is a bit of a struggle, given the fierce competition out there. To make things easier for you, we have compared several operators and provide you the five best sports betting apps in Nigeria.

What are the best sports betting apps?

The table below gives an overview of our results and includes our ratings for a variety of services and functions provided by the best sports betting apps on our list.

Best sports betting apps	Bet9ja	1xbet	Betway	Surebet247
Welcome bonus	100% bonus up to 100,000 Naira 5/5	200% bonus up to 43,000 Naira 4/5	50% bonus up to 20,000	100% bonus up to 25,000
Compatibility	4/5	4/5	3/5	3/5
Features	4/5	3/5	4/5	3/5
User experience	4/5	5/5	3/5	4/5
Our mark:	4.2/5	4/5	3.5/5	3.5/5
Get the best sportsbetting app	Get the app	Get the app	Get the app	Get the app

Our criteria for picking our best sports betting apps

First, we made a list of all reputed operators offering sports betting services in Nigeria. Then, we took into consideration a long list of factors and criteria that would allow us to separate the operators’ apps; the bad, average or good from the best sports betting apps out there.

We assessed, for example, their mobile bonus, user-friendliness, quality of user interface, and available features, among others. All that tedious work has enabled us to conclude that the five best sports betting apps in Nigeria are those of:

• Bet9ja
• 1xbet
• Betway
• SureBet247

This does not mean that you must use these apps. However, you certainly have a lot to benefit from our suggested mobile apps, as they are the outcome of an in-depth and rigorous analysis of a wealth of information/factors.

Best welcome bonus: Bet9ja

Of all five operators with the best sports betting apps, Bet9ja seems to stand out a bit when it comes to new players’ mobile offer. Using your mobile to register with the bookmaker will allow you to claim a 100% bonus up to 100,000 Naira, which is the most generous in Nigeria until the moment of this writing.

And, although Betway’s mobile welcome bonus is a great option if you want to withdraw your winnings pronto (3X wagering requirements), the maximum bonus you can receive is 20,000, which is significantly lower than that of bet9ja.

That welcome bonus amount is more or less the same with the other three bookies. For more details about bet9ja’s welcome bonus, you can check out our dedicated bet9ja bonus code page.

Claim Bet9ja bonus

Best user interface: 1xbet

Selecting the winner of this category was quite difficult, considering that all five best sports betting apps are equally impressive and feature well-designed interfaces. Going down to the details, though, enabled us to pick 1xbet’s app, which comes forward with a user-friendly, sleek, and somewhat sophisticated interface and a platform that is very easy to navigate.

The menus on the app are very well organised and allow players to find exactly what they are looking for and/or place bets with just a few taps. Also, the contrast between two different blues, white, and grey, highlighted by touches of green contributes to an eye-pleasing sensation.

Get 1xbet App

Best features: Bet9ja

All five bookmakers offering the best sports betting apps show an admirable focus on their customers’ mobile experiences. However, the one that has taken a few more steps forward is Bet9ja, whose mobile app offers:

• Two versions (Full and Lite) to cater to the needs of players owning any model (whether old or new) and even those with a poor internet connection or bettors that prefer betting on mobile with less demanding data/space/storage requirements.
• The wealth of sports betting markets.
• Almost all features of the desktop site, including live betting.
• Exclusive functions, such as access to free betting tips.
• Appealing, easy-to-navigate interface.
• An abundance of bonuses and promotions.
• A wide range of esports markets and betting options.

The other operators either offer an appealing mobile site and Android application or only a mobile platform. Even though all five offer quality and functionality, Bet9ja’s is slightly more customer-centered.

Best betting apps in Nigeria – FAQ

For the most frequently asked questions about the best sports betting apps in Nigeria, do go through this section.

How do I claim the welcome bonus from the app?

The process to obtain the welcome bonus from a desktop is the same as claiming it from a mobile platform. You visit the operator’s mobile site from your browser or download the app and simply sign up. If you check the bonus’ details, you will find out what else needs to be done to receive the bonus.

Can I create an account from the bookmaker’s app?

Of course, you can. All operators with the best sports betting apps listed here offer you the chance to register with them, claim the bonuses and offers, and place your bets from the comfort of your mobile phone or tablet.

Are the odds the same in the app?

Yes, they are precisely the same.

How do I download the iPhone/Android app?

Either go to iTunes and download the iOS app or use the .apk file from the operator’s website to download the app on your Android mobile phone or tablet. Alternatively, you could access the bookmaker’s mobile website, without having to download any app or file.

Is the mobile app better than the site?

The experiences are pretty much the same, whether you register via the desktop or the mobile app. Sometimes, though, bookies offer exclusive bonuses to their mobile customers. In this case, the mobile app adventure is a bit more interesting than that of the web-based site.