Given the huge popularity of football in Nigeria, there are few things more disappointing than not having the Super Eagles at the FIFA World Cup.
There was heavy shock and sadness across the land as Nigeria lost on aggregate to bitter rivals Ghana, sealing their absence from the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
The situation brings the age-old question about what to do when your national team will not be going to the global competition.
Yes, there are people who have lost interest in football altogether and chosen to detach themselves from the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
However, there are also those who cannot resist the lure of the beautiful game and will be watching regardless. It may not be the same as the pride and excitement you feel watching the Super Eagles, but you can still get involved with all the festivities at the Mundial.
Here are five things an avid Nigerian football fan can do during the 2022 FIFA World Cup:
BET ON MATCHES
The World Cup is not just about supporting a team and watching football as there are lots of opportunities to make some money and smile to the bank. You do not even have to go to Qatar or be directly involved in the tournament.
Sports betting has become one of the most popular pastimes for Nigerians in recent years and football is king in these parts.
Lots of betting apps already have a World Cup section specially dedicated to bringing you the best betting experience from the tournament in Qatar.
There are 64 matches to wager on in Qatar, along with plenty of betting options and markets. You can choose to bet on match results, goals, or even outrights like the overall winners of the tournament, top scorer, golden glove winner, etc.
The major betting apps also have numerous special features, offers and promotions, all geared towards enhancing your betting experience at the World Cup.
What better way to get over the disappointment of Nigeria’s absence from the World Cup than putting some money in your pocket by betting through some of the best football betting apps.
SUPPORT A DIFFERENT TEAM
Yes, you would rather have the Super Eagles at the global festival of football and are disappointed they failed to qualify. This is not the end of the world! You can still get swept up in all the excitement by picking one of the 32 nations to support at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
There are lots of options to choose from, 32 to be precise, and people have varied reasons for their choice of team to support. It may be a place you visited in the past and grew an affinity to, or a country where your favourite club side or player plays.
You may just simply develop a fondness for a country due to their style of football. The Brazilian samba style has plenty of admirers across the world, or you may prefer the German efficiency, the Spanish Tiki Taka, or the total football of Netherlands.
African solidarity is also a major factor in choosing a different team to support, so you can pick anyone from Senegal, Cameroon, Morocco, and Tunisia. Next door neighbors Ghana is also an option, if you can get over the fact that they are responsible for Nigeria’s absence from the World Cup.
TRACK THE PROGRESS OF YOUR FAVOURITE PLAYERS
The World Cup has always been a platform for the best players to showcase their talents. It is the dream of every footballer to feature at the Mundial where some of the greatest in the sport like Pele, Diego Maradona and Zinedine Zidane have left their mark.
With Nigeria absent from Qatar, one of the more interesting things you can do is follow the progress of your favourite players in the tournament. Just like rooting for a different team, there are lots of reasons to support particular players at the World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have dominated football for more than a decade, with the World Cup the only trophy missing from their illustrious careers. You can track their progress in Qatar to see if they eventually capture the elusive global title.
You may simply want players from your favourite football club to be successful. Whatever the reason, tracking the progress of players at the World Cup comes with its own excitement.
PLAY THE WORLD CUP VIRTUALLY
Just as online betting has become big in recent times, the gaming world has provided an exciting hobby for Nigerians over the years. Unlike gambling which comes with age restrictions, gaming is available to everyone.
Once again, football ranks up there on the list of the most popular games among Nigerians. With FIFA 23 launching in September, their World Cup mode is likely to be a big hit during the tournament in Qatar.
All 32 countries going to the World Cup are playable on FIFA 23, so you can dive into the style of the teams and players in Qatar. You can also get that World Cup feeling of bonding and by organising a mini tournament among your family and friends.
Nigeria may not be going to Qatar, but you can win the FIFA World Cup virtually, all from the comfort of your home.
EXPLORE THE HISTORY OF THE PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES
Along with the excitement of football on the pitch, the World Cup also offers a chance to learn new things. You can learn about the different tactics, styles, and players of all the teams participating in the tournament in Qatar.
You can also study the history of these teams at the World Cup, which may come in handy with trivia. Learn about their appearances at the tournament, best performances and greatest players.
However, beyond all of that, you can also learn about the home countries of the participating teams at the tournament. While introducing you to new teams and players, the World Cup also provides a chance to learn about new cultures.
You can study the people, customs and practices of the teams participating in the World Cup. You can also discover other things like their currency, dishes, traditional attire and famous monuments.
CONCLUSION
The Super Eagles’ absence from the World Cup does not prevent you from enjoying the best of what the Qatar 2022 World Cup has to offer. Get involved in any of the activities on our list and create a memorable experience during the Mundial.
