Connect with us

Featured

1xBet Nigeria’s Nnanna Chigozie Ewuzie Calls for Better Player Education at Responsible Gaming Symposium

Published

6 days ago

on

Nnanna Chigozie Ewuzie, Compliance Manager at 1xBet Nigeria, took part in the Responsible Gaming Symposium, where he focused on one of the biggest challenges for safer gambling in Africa: players need to understand protection tools before they can use them effectively.

At the Symposium, Nnanna presented 1xBet’s view on player education as a core part of responsible gambling. His remarks were built around insights from 1xBet’s research – Independently Commissioned Player Protection Index, which shows that in many African markets betting is still often seen not only as entertainment, but as a possible source of income.

Education before warnings

Nnanna stressed that responsible gambling tools remain important, but they are not enough on their own. Deposit limits, self-exclusion and time-outs can only work when players understand why these tools exist and how they can help.

“If we want safer play, we must teach, not only warn the players. A tool only works when a player understands it. A limit means nothing if a player does not know why it helps,” Nnanna said.

This was the central idea of his contribution: education turns responsible gambling from formal messaging into a practical choice. When players understand the risks, odds, limits and available protection tools, they are more likely to stay in control.

“Education turns a warning into a choice. It helps a player move from betting for hope to betting with control,” he added.

What the data shows

The Player Protection Index research by 1xBet also points to a wider shift in the industry. According to the findings referenced by 1xBet, 69% of operators now agree that a safer player is more profitable over time. This suggests that player protection is increasingly being seen not only as a regulatory requirement, but as part of long-term business sustainability.

The research also shows that 84% of respondents believe player education is the foundation of safer gambling. At the same time, Simon Westbury, Strategic Advisor to 1xBet, has highlighted that only a small share of operators strongly believe players fully understand what “Positive Play” means.

For Simon, this shows a clear gap between the tools available and the way players understand them.

“Player education was the foundation of safer gambling. Positive play is when the player is educated and informed of their decisions,” Simon said.

He also connected safer gambling with long-term trust between operators and players.

“If you can retain a player and give a player a safe, fun environment to gamble, then they are going to stay with you longer,” he said.

Africa needs local and practical solutions

The discussion also reflected the specific realities of African markets. Regulation, payment habits, languages, digital access and retail betting culture differ across countries. This means safer gambling standards cannot simply be copied from other regions.

The Player Protection Index by 1xBet points to a 56% / 44% split in views on how consistent player protection standards are across markets. For Nnanna, this reinforces the need for a common base that can be adapted locally.

That base should be simple: set limits, understand odds, take breaks and ask for help when needed. Each market can then adapt the language, examples and delivery channels to its own context.

In markets where many players rely on cash or in-person betting, education may need to come through voice, video, visual formats, local languages and shop staff, not only through long text or formal disclaimers.

“Simple words and pictures travel further than long text,” Nnanna noted.

From compliance to real understanding

Both Nnanna and Simon pointed to the same conclusion: safer gambling in Africa must move beyond small print and generic warnings.

The industry still faces real barriers. Simon has noted that 49% of respondents see commercial considerations as a blocker to player protection, while 67% of players are apathetic towards safer gambling and player protection tools. This is why education matters: many players do not use protection tools because they do not see how those tools apply to them.

For Nnanna, operators and regulators need to agree on what good player education looks like. He pointed to three practical steps: a shared standard for education, room to test what works and honest data-sharing.

“We cannot build trust if we only show the good numbers,” Nnanna said.

For Simon, collaboration is also essential. The research shows that 96% of respondents believe safe gambling is only possible through cooperation between operators and regulators. This cooperation should help turn player protection from a compliance requirement into something players can understand and use.

1xBalance and the next step

1xBet’s responsible gambling work also includes 1xBalance, a dedicated project and website focused on education, self-checking and helping players better understand their betting behaviour.

Through the 1xBalance website, players can access simple educational materials, take a self-assessment test and use a budget calculator to better understand their spending habits. The idea is to make player protection softer, clearer and less intrusive.

Instead of treating responsible gambling as a clinical or distant topic, 1xBalance presents it as something practical: a way for players to check themselves, understand their behaviour and make more informed decisions.

This reflects the main message of the Responsible Gaming Symposium: safer gambling will depend on education, cooperation and tools that players can actually understand.

For 1xBet Nigeria, Nnanna Chigozie Ewuzie’s participation showed that responsible gambling in Africa is not only a regulatory issue. It is also a communication challenge, an education challenge and a trust challenge.

The next step is clear: teach better, explain earlier and help players turn protection tools into real choices.

The post 1xBet Nigeria’s Nnanna Chigozie Ewuzie Calls for Better Player Education at Responsible Gaming Symposium first appeared on Sports247 Nigeria.

The post 1xBet Nigeria’s Nnanna Chigozie Ewuzie Calls for Better Player Education at Responsible Gaming Symposium appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Featured

Ikorodu City Set Up President Federation Cup Final Clash with El-Kanemi Warriors

Published

1 day ago

on

June 18, 2026

By

Ikorodu City have booked their place in the 2026 President Federation Cup final after edging Nasarawa United 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in regulation time, setting up a title showdown against El-Kanemi Warriors.

Sports247 reports that the semifinal encounter produced plenty of drama as both sides battled fiercely for a place in the final. Ikorodu City struck first through Ibrahim Ayola, who found the back of the net in the 11th minute to give his side an early advantage.

Nasarawa United responded before the interval when Bright Amadi equalised in the 41st minute, restoring parity and ensuring the teams went into the break level.

Despite several attempts from both sides in the second half, neither team could find a winning goal, forcing the contest to be decided by a penalty shootout.

Ikorodu City held their nerve from the spot, converting their chances to secure a 4-2 victory on penalties and eliminate Nasarawa United from this year’s competition.

In the other semifinal, El-Kanemi Warriors produced an impressive display to defeat Wikki Tourists 3-1 at the Mohammed Dikko Stadium and secure their own place in the final.

Bashar Musa handed El-Kanemi an early lead in just the second minute before D. AbdulRahman doubled the advantage in the 11th minute.

The dominant first-half performance continued as I. Muktar added a third goal in the 42nd minute, putting the Warriors firmly in control before the interval.

Wikki Tourists managed to pull one back through I. Bala, who converted a penalty kick, but it proved to be little more than a consolation as El-Kanemi comfortably saw out the remainder of the contest to advance.

The results set the stage for an intriguing 2026 President Federation Cup final between Ikorodu City and El-Kanemi Warriors.

Both teams have demonstrated resilience and quality throughout the tournament and will now have the opportunity to compete for one of the most prestigious trophies in Nigerian domestic football.

With a place in history at stake, football fans can expect a fiercely contested final as Ikorodu City seek to continue their remarkable run and El-Kanemi Warriors aim to cap their impressive campaign with silverware.

The post Ikorodu City Set Up President Federation Cup Final Clash with El-Kanemi Warriors first appeared on Sports247 Nigeria.

The post Ikorodu City Set Up President Federation Cup Final Clash with El-Kanemi Warriors appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

Continue Reading

Featured

Nigerian Forward John Lawani Hits the Ground Running with Emmanuel FC in East Timor

Published

2 days ago

on

June 17, 2026

By

Nigerian attacker John Lawani has wasted no time making his mark in East Timor, enjoying an impressive start to life with Emmanuel FC following his move from Sri Lankan side ST Mary’s.

READ ALSO: Meet Agboola Oluwadamilola John, The FEDAN FC Midfielder Who Models His Game After Kevin De Bruyne 

Sports247 reports that the promising forward has quickly announced himself in the Liga Futebol Amadora Primeira Divisão, scoring two goals in his opening two appearances for Emmanuel FC.

His early displays have showcased his attacking instincts, composure in front of goal, and ability to adapt seamlessly to a new environment.

Lawani’s bright start is a continuation of the fine form he displayed during his spell in Sri Lanka. Representing ST Mary’s in the Championship Division II, the Nigerian emerged as one of the team’s standout performers, scoring nine goals in just 12 appearances.

His contributions proved instrumental in ST Mary’s successful promotion campaign, helping the club secure a place in the Sri Lanka Super League, the nation’s top-flight competition.

The impressive goal return also underlined his reputation as a reliable finisher capable of delivering in crucial moments.

Seeking a fresh challenge, Lawani opted for a move to Emmanuel FC, where he has already begun to repay the club’s faith with goals and energetic performances.

His seamless transition to football in East Timor has provided encouragement for both the coaching staff and supporters, who will be hoping his scoring touch continues throughout the campaign.

At just the beginning of his journey with Emmanuel FC, the Nigerian forward appears well positioned to become a key figure in the club’s attacking setup.

His pace, movement, and eye for goal have already made him a difficult opponent for defenders, while his confidence in front of goal has been evident in his opening matches.

For Nigerian football fans, Lawani’s early success abroad is another example of homegrown talent making an impact on the international stage.

His performances in both Sri Lanka and now East Timor reflect a player steadily building a reputation for consistency and productivity in front of goal.

If his current form is any indication, Emmanuel FC could have secured one of the league’s most exciting attacking talents, with John Lawani poised to play a significant role in the club’s ambitions for the remainder of the season.

The post Nigerian Forward John Lawani Hits the Ground Running with Emmanuel FC in East Timor first appeared on Sports247 Nigeria.

The post Nigerian Forward John Lawani Hits the Ground Running with Emmanuel FC in East Timor appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

Continue Reading

Featured

Meet Agboola Oluwadamilola John, The FEDAN FC Midfielder Who Models His Game After Kevin De Bruyne 

Published

2 days ago

on

June 17, 2026

By

Calm on the ball, intelligent with his movement and fearless in possession, Agboola Oluwadamilola John carried himself with the confidence of a player who knows exactly where he wants to be in the future.

READ ALSO: Nigerian Striker Toyosi Olusanya Completes Permanent Move to Aberdeen on Two-Year Deal

At the bustling NLO Stadium in Lagos, where dreams are tested under pressure and every touch of the ball matters, he quietly stood out among the rest.

Representing FEDAN FC, the talented attacking midfielder spoke with Sports247 after another demanding outing in the Nigeria Nationwide League One (NLO), sharing the story of his humble beginnings, football journey and the inspiration behind his style of play.

Like many Nigerian footballers, Agboola’s journey started on the streets of Lagos, where football was more than just a game — it was a way of life.

“I started my football career on the streets of Lagos while playing local football in Oto Awori,” he recalled with a smile.

From dusty neighborhood pitches to organized football, the transition was not immediate, but destiny found its way through friendship.

According to the midfielder, his journey to FEDAN FC came through a close friend known as Otenkun, who was already part of the club setup.

“I got to FEDAN through my friend, Otenkun, who was then a player of the club. He told me about the team and I decided to give club football a try,” he explained.

That decision would eventually shape his growth as a footballer. Since joining FEDAN FC, Agboola believes his understanding of the game has matured beyond just talent and flair.

“Playing with FEDAN and growing through the ranks has taught me how to adapt to different situations on the pitch. Football is more than just a game of 90 minutes,” he said.

The young midfielder also revealed the player who inspires his game most — Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne.

From vision to composure and creativity in midfield, Agboola studies the Belgian closely and hopes to mirror those qualities in his own game.

“I have always admired top attacking midfielders, especially Kevin De Bruyne because of his composure and ability on the ball,” he stated.

Despite the physical demands and fierce competition in the NLO, Agboola has embraced the realities of Nigerian grassroots football.

He described the league as a battle where every point must be earned with discipline and concentration.

“Sometimes it doesn’t matter how you win games because those three points are very hard to get. You can be having a very good game and just one slight mistake can take the points away,” he noted.

With ambition burning strongly inside him, the FEDAN FC midfielder is already dreaming beyond local football.

He believes that with consistency, hard work and the right opportunities, he can reach the highest level of the game within the next few years.

“I believe that in the next couple of years, with my ability and the right contacts, I should be playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world,” Agboola declared confidently.

“I know where I am coming from, and I know where I want to be. Every game for FEDAN FC is another step closer to my dream of playing at the highest level of world football.” — Agboola Oluwadamilola John said.

The post Meet Agboola Oluwadamilola John, The FEDAN FC Midfielder Who Models His Game After Kevin De Bruyne  first appeared on Sports247 Nigeria.

The post Meet Agboola Oluwadamilola John, The FEDAN FC Midfielder Who Models His Game After Kevin De Bruyne  appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

Continue Reading

Trending