The 5 Most Popular Sports in Nigeria
The Top 5 Most Popular Sports in Nigeria
Football is very popular across Nigeria - but what other sports do Nigerians love to play, watch and follow?
Read on to find out about Nigeria’s favourite sports and games! Including all the latest stats and facts about Nigeria’s biggest achievements.
One of the greatest Nigerian basketball players, Hakeem Olajuwon
Nigeria is very passionate about sports. Young boys and girls dream of representing the national football team, hoping to win trophies for their country, and Nigerians fill stadiums each weekend to cheer on their favourite local and European clubs.
Sports bring diverse people together with national pride, and success on the field unites the Nigerian population of 223,804,632 people.
Sports also help Nigerians stay fit and healthy. It allows them to relieve stress through competitive and fun activities, and their enthusiasm and drive to perform is something Nigerians express through sport.
Read about the most popular sports in Nigeria, including stats about the country’s sporting history, biggest stars and greatest achievements.
1. Football
Nigeria have qualified for more FIFA World Cup tournaments than any other nation in Africa
There are 62 stadiums in Nigeria
Nwankwo Kanu is Nigeria's most decorated footballer
Football was introduced to Nigeria in the early 1900s during British colonial rule. The British are credited with bringing the game to the West African nation as it gained popularity across their empire.
By the middle of the 20th century, football was embraced by Nigerians and became firmly established as the country's favourite sport. Today, football is one of the most popular sports in the world.
Nigeria’s World Cup Success
The national team, known as the Super Eagles, elicited strong national pride among Nigerians and played an important role in cultivating their sense of identity and unity.
They have qualified for more FIFA World Cup tournaments than any other nation on the continent, appearing at six editions.
The team represented Nigeria with distinction by advancing to the knockout Round, dubbed the Round of 16, at both the 1994 and 1998 World Cups, a rare achievement for an African side.
Stadiums and Clubs
There are a total of 62 stadiums in Nigeria. However, out of these 62 stadiums, only 18 have a seating capacity of over 20,000 people.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) governs football in Nigeria. In 2012, the NFF established the League Management Company (LMC) as the governing body for professional league football.
Nigerian Football Players
Some of the best Nigerian footballers of all-time include:
Nwankwo Kanu - Nigeria's most decorated footballer
Jay Jay Okocha - One of the finest dribblers Nigerian football has ever produced
Rashidi Yekini - One of the most successful Nigerian football players
Stephen Keshi - He won the Nations Cup in 1994
Uche Okechukwu - Captain of the Nigerian national team after Stephen Keshi's retirement
Sunday Oliseh - He contributed to the AFCON success of the mid-1990s
Read more on our football blog
2. Basketball
Nigeria currently sits at number 22 in the FIBA world rankings
Hakeem Olajuwon is one of the most famous Nigerian basketball players
The Nigerian Premier Basketball League organises games across the country
The rise of basketball in Nigeria can be traced back to the success of its players on the global stage, notably Hakeem Olajuwon - one of the greatest international NBA players of all-time.
Olajuwon's brilliant play captured the attention of many Nigerians and helped fuel a growing passion for the sport within the country.
The D’Tigers
Nigeria now boasts a dominant men's national team known as D'Tigers. They currently sit at number 22 in the FIBA world rankings, cementing their status as the top-ranked side in Africa.
D'Tigers have proven themselves repeatedly against international competition. Nigeria qualified its men's and women's basketball teams for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, underscoring the remarkable talent pool.
In past Olympics, D'Tigers also garnered commendable results.
In 2012, the team ended in a respectable 10th place in London. Four years later, in Rio, Nigeria again showed their capabilities on basketball's biggest stage by finishing 11th.
These accomplishments have spotlighted the progress of Nigerian hoops on an African and worldwide stage.
Basketball Leagues
Beyond international tournaments, basketball development in Nigeria is nurtured from the grassroots up. The new Basketball Africa League (BAL) aims to unearth fresh skills by giving African players a platform to shine.
Read more on our NBA blog
Nigeria has numerous basketball teams and clubs. The Nigerian Premier Basketball League, the NPL, is the country's most famous men's professional league.
It consists of 16 teams categorised into two conferences: Savannah and the Atlantic. This categorisation is based on geographical location.
Nigerian Basketball Players
Nigeria has produced some of the best basketball players, with the most gifted athletes showcasing their abilities in the NBA.
These players have performed nationally and internationally.
| Player | Role | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Hakeem Olajuwon | Nicknamed "the Dream", he played for the Houston Rockets and Toronto Raptors in the NBA. | Inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008 |
| Al-Farouq Aminu | He was a small forward and power forward player for several NBA teams. | |
| Emeka Okafor | Power forward and centre. He played for several NBA teams. | |
| Festus Ezell | Centre, played for the Golden State Warriors in the NBA | Won an NBA championship with the Warriors in 2015 |
| Ike Diogu | Power forward and centre. He played for several NBA teams. | |
| Ime Udoka | Small forward, played for several NBA teams. | Currently an assistant coach for the Brooklyn Nets. |
3. Dambe
This is a traditional combat sport
Video footage of Dambe attracted 24 million viewers in 2019
Over 60% of online Dambe audiences come from outside Nigeria
Dambe is a traditional combat sport deeply rooted in Hausa history and culture.
Originating in the 10th century, this deadly competition has endured for over 1,000 years amongst the Hausa people, one of Africa's largest ethnic groups.
What is Dambe?
There are no divisions by weight in Dambe; opponents are matched only by age and size. Fighters seek to defeat their rival using a lethal kick or punch to bring them crashing to the floor within the three-round bout.
To accomplish such a feat, the competitors fortify their primary weapon, the “spear.”
They wrap their striking hand tightly with a rope called "Kara," making the arm as potent and dangerous as possible for inflicting damage. The weaker hand protects the torso only as a shield against counters.
Historically, Dambe was a test undertaken by Hausa butchers around periods of harvest or celebration, demonstrating raw guts and bravery. The sport still plays an important role in local communities.
Modern-Day Dambe
According to the BBC, global interest in Dambe has surged exponentially in recent years.
Videos attracted a colossal 24 million viewers in 2019 alone. Over 60% of audiences hail from outside Nigeria, with Indonesia, the Philippines and the United States at the top of the list.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Dambe Warriors YouTube Channel gained another two million views and nearly 15,000 new subscribers.
Through such digital platforms, the appeal of this lethal custom now captivates fight fans worldwide!
4. Athletics
Nigeria have won 27 medals at the Olympics
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria governs track and field athletics
In 2022, Lagos hosted the International Schools Athletics Championship
Athletics is hugely popular in Nigeria. The country has achieved great success in track and field events and boxing at the Olympics.
Nigerians have won 27 medals at the Olympics. Nigeria first competed in the 1952 Olympics and has participated in almost every Summer Games since then.
In 1992, a Nigerian athlete won silver in taekwondo. However, as a demonstration sport, it didn’t count as an official medal.
Track and Field in Nigeria
Track and field occupies a central place in Nigerian culture.
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) governs track and field athletics in the country. It was established in 1944 as the Central Committee of the Amateur Athletic Association of Nigeria. The federation resides at the Nigeria National Stadium located in Garki, Abuja.
The AFN affiliates with two major international organisations. It joins the Confederation of African Athletics, which oversees the sport across the continent, and World Athletics, the worldwide governing body.
Each year, AFN conducts a domestic competition called the Golden League. Its format resembles the previous IAAF Golden League, which no longer takes place. Athletes compete against each other within Nigeria's borders.
In 2022, Lagos hosted an important youth event, the International Schools Athletics Championship. This brought many young track and field athletes to the city.
Nigerian Athletes
There are many incredible Nigerian athletes, including international stars who have made substantial contributions.
| Athlete's Name | Achievement |
|---|---|
| Blessing Okagbare | World-class track and field athlete |
| Chioma Ajunwa | First Nigerian Olympic gold medalist in long jump |
| Mary Onyali-Omagbemi | Bronze medalist in the 4x100m relay at the 1992 Summer Olympics |
| Falilat Ogunkoya | Bronze medalist in the 400m at the 1996 Summer Olympics |
5. Boxing
There are approx. 300 professional boxers competing across Nigeria
Anthony Joshua and Samuel Peters are successful Nigerian-born boxers
The Nigerian Boxing Federation (NBF) provides training support to boxers
Nigeria has a rich history in the sport of boxing!
The Nigerian Boxing Federation (NBF) provides support, guidance and resources to the country's boxers as they train and compete in national and international competitions.
Nigerian Boxers
Three boxers from Nigeria have become world champions throughout the decades: Dick Tiger in the 1960s, Hogan "Kid" Bassey in the late 1950s, and Bash Ali in the 1980s.
Currently, there are approximately 300 professional boxers actively competing across Nigeria. Boxing remains one of the most popular combat sports in the country, alongside disciplines like Dambe and mixed martial arts.
In recent years, the success of Nigerian-born boxers on the world stage, such as Samuel Peters and Anthony Joshua, has amplified interest in the sweet science back in their homeland.
Similarly, the thriving careers of UFC champions Kamaru Usman and Israel Adesanya have bolstered enthusiasm for martial arts within the nation.
Boxing at the Olympics
With the 2024 Olympic Games fast approaching, preparations are already underway to ensure Nigerian boxers have opportunities to qualify and represent their country in Paris.
Under the guidance of the NBF, the goal is for multiple boxers from Nigeria's pool of 300 professionals to earn spots on the team and fight for gold on the Olympic stage.
The rich traditions and achievements of Nigerian champions continue to motivate a new generation of boxers. Many aspire to someday join the ranks of world title holders like Tiger, Bassey and Ali.
The Most Popular Sports in Nigeria: Final Words
Nigeria has a rich sporting legacy, with record-breaking athletes excelling in football, basketball, boxing and athletics.
Traditional combat sports like Dambe remain widely revered within communities, attracting modern audiences through digital platforms.
With sporting passion running deep through the nation, Nigeria will continue to develop champions across multiple disciplines who proudly represent their country with skill, strength and determination for years to come.
Do you follow any Nigerian sports? Tell us in the comments!
