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1xBet Nigeria’s Nnanna Chigozie Ewuzie Calls for Better Player Education at Responsible Gaming Symposium
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.
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WAFU – B U-17: Adegbuyi, Oparanmegwa Fire Flamingos Past Côte d’Ivoire
Nigeria’s Flamingos maintained their perfect run at the 2026 WAFU-B U17 Girls Cup with a commanding 2–0 victory over hosts Côte d’Ivoire in Yamoussoukro on Thursday.
Oluwakemi Adegbuyi gave Nigeria the perfect start when she struck in the fourth minute, putting the Flamingos in front at the Lycée Scientifique.
The early goal allowed Nigeria to settle into the contest as the Flamingos protected their advantage through the remainder of the first half.
Côte d’Ivoire pushed for a response after the restart, but Nigeria remained disciplined and continued to threaten on the counter.
The Flamingos eventually doubled their advantage in the 83rd minute, with Pattra Oparanmegwa finding the back of the net to put Nigeria firmly in control.
The victory extends Nigeria’s perfect record in the competition, with the Flamingos now having won all four of their matches.
Nigeria had earlier opened their campaign with a 5–0 victory over Niger Republic before defeating Ghana 4–2 and overcoming Burkina Faso 2–0.
Against Burkina Faso, Mary Dunstan broke the deadlock in the 82nd minute before Adegbuyi struck in stoppage time to seal the win.
The victory over Côte d’Ivoire therefore represents another impressive display from the Flamingos, who have continued to combine attacking quality with defensive discipline throughout the tournament.
The hosts entered Thursday’s encounter as Nigeria’s closest challengers in the standings, having collected six points from their opening three matches. Côte d’Ivoire had also demonstrated their attacking threat with a 9–0 victory over Niger Republic before facing the Flamingos.
Nigeria, however, maintained their superiority in the decisive encounter, with Adegbuyi’s early strike and Oparanmegwa’s second-half finish securing another three points.
The result takes the Flamingos to 12 points from four matches, strengthening their position at the top of the WAFU-B U17 Girls Cup standings.
Nigeria will now turn their attention to their final fixture of the competition against Guinea, as coach Hakeem Busari’s side look to complete the tournament with another victory.
The WAFU-B competition is also serving as valuable preparation for Nigeria ahead of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, where the Flamingos will compete against North Korea, Puerto Rico and Poland in Group B.
The post WAFU – B U-17: Adegbuyi, Oparanmegwa Fire Flamingos Past Côte d’Ivoire appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.
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EuroMatch NPFL Matchday 5: Sporting Lagos Shock Enyimba as Rangers, Barau FC Pick Up Vital Wins
The EuroMatch Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) delivered another action-packed round of fixtures on Matchday 5, with Sporting Lagos producing one of the biggest results of the round while Rangers International, Barau FC and Shooting Stars all secured important victories.
READ ALSO: EuroMatch NPFL: Enyimba Stunned Again! Sporting Lagos Complete 3-2 Comeback in Aba
Sports247 reports that in Aba, Sporting Lagos stunned nine-time champions Enyimba FC 3-2, completing a remarkable comeback after the home side took the lead through Stanley Dimgba in the 44th minute. Tobi Iyanda extended Enyimba’s advantage in the 55th minute, but Sporting Lagos responded emphatically.
The visitors levelled in the 51st minute before Haruna Hadi put Sporting Lagos ahead in the 65th minute. Daniel Aboh added another four minutes later to complete the turnaround and condemn Enyimba to another defeat.
Rangers International continued their strong campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over newly promoted Ranchers Bees. Iwundu scored in the 53rd minute to hand the defending champions another valuable three points.
At home, Barau FC defeated Abia Warriors 2-0. Joseph Atule opened the scoring in the 22nd minute before Ibrahim Ayoola doubled the advantage in the 61st minute.
Bendel Insurance also secured a home victory, edging Ikorodu City 2-1. Chinedu Nwosu converted from the penalty spot in the 49th minute, while Alex Oweilayefa struck in the 84th minute. Aderemi Adeoye had earlier scored for Ikorodu City in the 80th minute.
In Ilorin, Kwara United defeated Nasarawa United 2-1. Sanni Muhammed gave the hosts an early lead in the 12th minute before Jofrank Istifanus equalised for Nasarawa United in the 29th minute. AbdulSalam A. restored Kwara United’s advantage in the 65th minute.
Shooting Stars recorded a convincing 2-0 win over Katsina United, with Olanrewaju Ridwan and Qamar Adegoke finding the net.
Doma United and Plateau United played out an entertaining 2-2 draw, while Niger Tornadoes and Warri Wolves shared the points after a goalless encounter.
In Lagos, Inter Lagos drew 1-1 with Kano Pillars. Ubong Friday, assisted by Ahmed Musa, put Pillars ahead in the 33rd minute before Bashir AbdulKareem levelled in the 76th minute.
The Matchday 5 action continues on Thursday when Rivers United, the Pride of Rivers, face Kun Khalifat FC. With the campaign gathering momentum, another round of NPFL drama awaits.
The post EuroMatch NPFL Matchday 5: Sporting Lagos Shock Enyimba as Rangers, Barau FC Pick Up Vital Wins appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.
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BREAKING: Super Eagles Camp Grows to 23 as Ndidi, Chukwueze Land in Uyo Ahead of Madagascar Clash
The Super Eagles camp in Uyo has grown to 23 players following the arrival of captain Wilfred Ndidi and winger Samuel Chukwueze as Nigeria intensifies preparations for Friday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Madagascar.
Ndidi and Chukwueze landed at the Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo at exactly 5:20 p.m. on Tuesday, arriving from Lagos aboard an Ibom Air flight before linking up with the rest of Éric Chelle’s squad.
Their arrival followed that of goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who had earlier increased the number of players in camp from 20 to 21 before the team headed out for its first training session.
The initial 20 arrivals were Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Taiwo Awoniyi, Isaac James, Emmanuel Fernandez, Benjamin Fredrick, Moses Usor, George Ilenikhena, Arthur Okonkwo, Alex Iwobi, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Ademola Lookman, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Chibuike Nwaiwu, Tolu Arokodare, Bruno Onyemaechi, Raphael Onyedika and Frank Onyeka.
With Nwabali, Ndidi and Chukwueze subsequently reporting, Chelle now has 23 players available, giving the coach an almost complete group as preparations gather momentum in Uyo.
Nigeria’s squad underwent a late alteration after Victor Osimhen was ruled out through injury, prompting the recall of Taiwo Awoniyi as his replacement.
The Coventry City striker is already in camp and will compete with Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare and George Ilenikhena among the centre-forward options.
The Super Eagles will host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Friday, September 25, before travelling to Bissau for their second Group L qualifier against Guinea-Bissau on September 29.
After the disappointment of missing the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Nigeria are under pressure to begin their AFCON campaign positively.
With 23 players now assembled in Uyo and training underway, Chelle can turn his attention to shaping the team he believes can deliver the opening three points against Madagascar.
The post BREAKING: Super Eagles Camp Grows to 23 as Ndidi, Chukwueze Land in Uyo Ahead of Madagascar Clash appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.
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