Most Popular Sports In Africa

The origin

The origin of sports in Africa can be traced far back into history. Far from the mainstream belief that sports were introduced to Africa by her colonial masters, it is indisputable that traditional societies in Africa were holding wrestling matches and running contests way before the first colonial ship set sail. The continent has substantial recognition within the global sphere for its excellence and in various sporting fields. African talents continue to excel in various sporting disciplines, becoming dominant global sports personalities and celebrities.

Africa also has a diverse fan base that supports various local and global sports, from football to rugby, athletics, cricket, cycling, basketball, and even rallying. But which is the most popular sport in Africa? To answer this question, let us consider two of the most played and most watched: football and athletics.

Read Also: Okagbare, Brume, Amusan Out of $500k World Athletics Welfare Fund

2. Football

Without a doubt, football is Africa’s most popular and favourite sport. Football has penetrated every nook and crevice in Africa. Stroll along the streets in any country of East, West, South, or North Africa; you will find people of all ages enjoying playing or watching football. Africa’s fan base supports football leagues from all over the world.

With the recently increased popularization of sports betting, football got interesting – if betting is your cup of tea. Depending on your geographical location or preference, Africans are using several betting platforms to wage bets on upcoming games. The betting experience has been optimized for fans with the introduction of online betting sites and mobile phone apps. Each Sportsbook advertises itself to punters by offering lucrative odds. They encourage betting by providing promotions and contests. More and more people are visiting sites and using apps to get the best betting-tips.africa. Sportsbooks are always holding competitions where their members compete against each other. Online betting sites and apps give incentive which encourages member participation. For instance, individuals get to compete against each other by establishing a winner with the most accurate prediction for upcoming matches in the EPL like:

• Tottenham vs Westham on 23/06/2020
• Chelsea vs Manchester City on 25/06/2020
• Manchester United vs Brighton on 30/06/2020

1. Athletics

Africa is described as an athletics powerhouse. African athletes have broken significant world records at high-profile sporting events. Several countries in Africa are crowned for their sterling athletic prowess, including Kenya, South Africa, Ethiopia, and Nigeria. Famous names like Haile Gebrselassie from Ethiopia, Kipchoge Keino of Kenya, South-African Caster Semenya, and Blessing Okagbare from Nigeria, are mentioned.

As Africa never lacks representation whenever there is a global athletics contest. It is commonplace to find faces glued to TV screens rooting for their favourite country or athlete. A large part of the population uses a Sportsbook to be updated on recent news in the athletics sector like the recent opportunity presented to the Nigerian relay teams to participate in the recently introduced quadriennial games to be held next summer in Japan.

Take Away

Africa is an increasingly growing hub of both sportsmen and fans. Be it football or athletics, a cheering squad is ever-present.