Naira Marley Warns Nigerian Youths Against Excessive Sports Betting
Popular Nigerian singer and rapper Naira Marley, whose real name is Azeez Fashola, has sent a strong message to young people about the dangers of sports betting. The controversial music star, best known for his hit song Tesumole, cautioned youths against relying on gambling as a means of survival or income.
In a post shared on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Naira Marley advised fans to stop wasting their money on football bets, stressing that gambling cannot be considered a profession. “Football bet no be work bro. Please stop before they finish you,” he wrote, warning that betting companies are designed to profit from players rather than provide financial security.
His comments come at a time when sports betting has become a growing concern in Nigeria, especially among young people. The accessibility of mobile betting apps and the popularity of European football leagues have made gambling an everyday activity for millions of youths.
A recent Business Insider Africa report revealed that Nigeria now ranks as the top sports betting nation in Africa, with an estimated 168.7 million active bettors. Even more alarming, the report noted that 70 percent of Nigerians under the age of 30 are involved in betting activities, highlighting the scale of the issue.
Naira Marley’s caution reflects fears that the betting craze could worsen financial struggles for many young Nigerians, with some spending significant portions of their income on gambling in hopes of quick wins. For critics, this trend poses serious risks, including debt, addiction, and poor financial planning.
While some fans welcomed his advice, pointing out that it shows concern for the younger generation, others argued that his message was surprising given his reputation for promoting a carefree lifestyle. Nevertheless, his warning adds to ongoing calls for Nigerian youths to focus on long-term opportunities such as skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, and education instead of gambling away their future.
The singer’s remarks also reignite discussions around whether stricter regulations should be introduced to address the betting culture in Nigeria. For now, his message serves as a reminder that gambling is risky and unsustainable, especially for those looking for stable sources of income.
