Sports in Africa trace its origin from the culture of its people far back in history. Today Africa is bedrock to some vibrant sporting talents that have dominated championships one after the other. Another factor that contributes to the popularity of some games is the growth of betting sites in Nigeria, which provide a platform for live streaming of sports. Let’s look at the various popular sports in Africa that have given birth to world-famous tournament champions.
Football
Without a doubt, football is the most popular and favourite sport in Africa, tracing its origin back in the 1800s. It is prevalent to find youngsters playing football in any vacant lot in rural areas and even urban towns. You will be surprised that some of the most famous professional footballers began their careers in those humble playgrounds.
Today, more than 100 players from various African teams play in the first division league in Europe. Some of the African countries that have performed well in global soccer tournaments include Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Tunisia, Senegal, Cameroon, DRC and Egypt.
Rugby
Rugby’s popularity in Africa began in South Africa. In reality, South Africa alone has more than 600,000 registered rugby players. In recent years rugby has gained a foothold in some African countries such as Kenya, Namibia, and Ghana.
For example, the Kenya rugby industry has multiplied with over 40,000 registered players –women, men, and teenagers. Also, the Kenya national rugby team won the seven world series in 2016 held in the Emirates of Dubai.
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Athletics
When you think of global competitiveness in athletics, one thing that comes to your mind is Africa. It is no secret that Africa has produced almost all the world marathon winners. They include:
• Ethiopian Abebe Bikila, Haile Gebrselassie, and Tirunesh Dibaba
• the Kenyan Catherine Ndereba, Vivian Cheruiyot, David Ridisha, Asbel Kiprop, Ezekiel Kemboi, and javelin thrower Julius Yego.
• Mozambican Maria Mutola
These champions display endurance strength and speed. Some of the African countries known for a sterling athletics performance include Kenya in the first position followed by Ethiopia, South Africa, and Algeria.
Basketball
Since the introduction of basketball to the continent in 1960, this game has become an essential part for many young African boys and girls. When you travel around African cities or urban areas, you will find people dressed in vets and T-shirts playing basketball in neighbourhoods and school competitions.
Even at home, most people play basketball for fun or as a way to pass the time. Additionally, both private and public schools are putting up training facilities to help coach the talent of players who aspire to be in the NBA.
It is an ultimate dream as the NBA has stars from sons of Africa, such as Congolese DikembeMutombo, who played for 18 seasons in the NBA for teams like the Atlanta Hawks among others. Not to forget, the Nigerian-born Hakeem Abdul Olajuwon, who played for Houston Rockets and Toronto Raptors.
Other African countries where basketball is popular include Angola, Kenya, Ghana, Tunisia, Egypt, Uganda, and Cameroon.
Cycling
Cycling is increasingly becoming popular in Africa and very famous in South Africa and Eritrea. South Africa has scenic and exciting cycling routes, particularly the city of Cape Town, home to the largest independently timed race, which attracts participants from all over the world.
Eritrea is also a cycling nation; in fact, they were the first-ever Africans to participate in the world-famous Tour de France. Some of the legendary cyclists from Africa include Greg Minnaar from South Africa. Other upcoming cycling nations include Ethiopia which famous for women’s cycling, Algeria and Kenya.
Rallying
Motor rallies in Africa are well-known because of the off-road terrain, which makes it perfect for rally lovers. African rallies are viewed as the most challenging and thus can bring the most competitive upcoming rally drivers.
Several tournaments staged in the continent are the KCB Safari Rally, the Africa Rally Championship, and the East African Safari Classic Rally. Countries where rallies are commonly staged include Kenya, Senegal, Uganda, Zimbabwe, and Cote de Ivoire.
Wrestling
Since time immemorial, wrestling has been part of African communities where matches were common in village arenas. In those times, wrestling played a crucial role in social integration, and it was also a way for people to pass the time.
In Africa, Senegal is the most famous and active national sports hub for wrestling. In recent times, wrestling has become an economic empowerment. Statistics revealed that wrestling receives about 1-2 million per year in annual sponsorship as top wrestlers earn up to $200,000 in a match.
The exciting bit about wrestling is that it’s fun and lively with cheering, singing, and even dancing. One reason for the rise in this sport‘s popularity is the fact that people are willing to pay to watch and place bets on matches. Other African countries where wrestling is popular are Egypt and the Sudan Nubian communities.
Conclusion
The growth of sports in Africa, for example, in Nigeria, has led to the development of sports-related industries, among them companies that provide betting tips for Nigerian players, sports analysis, and sports academies. Additionally, the participation of Africans to international sports has opened a bright page for the continent in the world sporting map. Now, the continent enjoys equal opportunity not only to participate but also to host international sporting events.
