Nigeria, a country located in West Africa, is home to over 200 million people and has a rich sporting culture. Nigerians are known for their passion for sports and their ability to excel in various sporting disciplines. In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 most popular sports in Nigeria in 2023.
Top 10 Most Popular Sports In Nigeria 2023
Here are the top 10 most popular sports in Nigeria in 2023:
- Football/Soccer
- Basketball
- Athletics
- Boxing
- Volleyball
- Tennis
- Wrestling
- Table Tennis
- Golf
- Cycling
Football/Soccer
Without a doubt, football is the most popular sport in Nigeria. It is estimated that over 70% of Nigerians follow football passionately. The love for football in Nigeria is evident in the support given to the national football team, the Super Eagles. The Super Eagles have won the Africa Cup of Nations three times and have qualified for the FIFA World Cup six times.
In addition to supporting the national team, Nigerians are also avid followers of European football leagues, such as the English Premier League, Spanish La Liga, and Italian Serie A. Many Nigerians support top clubs such as Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Barcelona, and Real Madrid.
Basketball
Basketball is the second most popular sport in Nigeria, and it has been gaining popularity in recent years. The Nigerian national basketball team, D’Tigers, has been making waves in international competitions, such as the FIBA World Cup and the Olympic Games. In 2021, the D’Tigers made history by defeating the United States in a pre-Olympic friendly game, becoming the first African team to defeat the US basketball team.
Furthermore, the Nigerian Basketball League (NBL) has been growing in popularity, with teams such as the Lagos Islanders, Rivers Hoopers, and Kwara Falcons attracting huge crowds.
Athletics
Athletics is another popular sport in Nigeria, and the country has produced many world-class athletes over the years. Nigerians have excelled in various athletics events such as sprints, relays, long jump, and high jump. Some notable Nigerian athletes include Blessing Okagbare, Chioma Ajunwa, and Mary Onyali.
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) organizes various athletics competitions, such as the National Sports Festival, the All-Nigeria Championships, and the African Championships.
Boxing
Boxing is a popular sport in Nigeria, and the country has produced many notable boxers, such as Samuel Peters, Hogan Bassey, and Dick Tiger. The Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBBC) organizes professional boxing matches, and amateur boxing competitions are also held regularly.
In recent years, Nigerian boxers have been making waves in international competitions, such as the Olympic Games and the Commonwealth Games.
Volleyball
Volleyball is a popular sport in Nigeria, and the country has a national volleyball team that participates in international competitions. The Nigerian Volleyball Federation (NVBF) organizes various volleyball competitions, such as the National Volleyball League and the National Youth Volleyball Championships.
Tennis
Tennis is a popular sport in Nigeria, and the country has produced some notable tennis players, such as Nduka Odizor and Sadiq Abdullahi. The Nigerian Tennis Federation (NTF) organizes various tennis competitions, such as the National Tennis Championships and the Lagos Open.
In recent years, Nigerian tennis players have been making waves in international competitions, such as the Grand Slam tournaments.
Wrestling
Wrestling is a popular sport in Nigeria, and the country has produced many notable wrestlers, such as Power Uti and Daniel Igali. The Nigerian Wrestling Federation (NWF) organizes various wrestling competitions, such as the National Wrestling Championships and the African Wrestling Championships.
Table Tennis
Table tennis is a popular sport in Nigeria, and the country has produced some of the world’s best table tennis players, such as Segun Toriola and Aruna Quadri. The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) organizes various table tennis competitions, such as the National Table Tennis Championships and the African Table Tennis Championships.
Golf
Golf is a popular sport in Nigeria, and the country has some world-class golf courses, such as the Ikoyi Golf Club and the IBB International Golf and Country Club. The Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF) organizes various golf competitions, such as the Nigeria Cup and the West African Golf Tour.
Cycling
Cycling is a popular sport in Nigeria, and the country has produced some notable cyclists, such as Eyo Effiong and Mohammed Bashir. The Cycling Federation of Nigeria (CFN) organizes various cycling competitions, such as the National Cycling Championships and the African Cycling Championships.
Conclusion
Sports play a significant role in Nigerian culture, and the country has a deep passion for various sporting disciplines. The top 10 most popular sports in Nigeria are a testament to the diversity and depth of the country’s sporting culture.
These sports have not only provided entertainment and excitement for Nigerians but have also showcased the country’s talents on the international stage. As Nigeria continues to produce world-class athletes, it is evident that sports will remain an essential aspect of the country’s culture and identity for years to come.
