Types of Football Bets Explained in Nigeria: The Complete Guide for Nigerian Bettors
Football betting is hugely popular in Nigeria, with millions of punters placing bets every week on the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, La Liga, Serie A, and local competitions. From weekend accumulators to live betting during big matches, football betting has become part of everyday sports culture across the country.
Whether you are new to sports betting or already betting regularly with Nigerian bookmakers, understanding the different football betting markets is essential if you want to make smarter betting decisions and improve your chances of winning.
This guide explains the most popular football bet types available at leading Nigerian betting sites, including Bet9ja, SportyBet, 1xBet, Betway, NairaBet, and more.
Understanding the Most Popular Football Betting Markets
1. Match Result (1X2)
Also Known As:
- Full-Time Result
- Win-Draw-Win
This is the most common football bet in Nigeria. You simply predict the result of the match after 90 minutes.
- 1 = Home Team to Win
- X = Draw
- 2 = Away Team to Win
Example
Arsenal vs Chelsea
- Arsenal Win – 2.10
- Draw – 3.40
- Chelsea Win – 3.20
If you stake ₦5,000 on Arsenal to win at odds of 2.10, your total return would be ₦10,500 if Arsenal win.
This market is very popular with Nigerian bettors because it is simple and easy to understand.
2. Both Teams to Score (BTTS)
BTTS is one of the most popular football betting markets in Nigeria, especially for Premier League matches where both teams are expected to attack.
You are betting on whether both teams will score at least one goal during the match.
- Yes = Both teams score
- No = At least one team fails to score
Example
Liverpool vs Tottenham
BTTS – Yes @ 1.75
If the final score is:
- 2-1
- 3-2
- 1-1
…your bet wins.
Many Nigerian punters like BTTS because you do not need to predict the winner of the match.
3. Over/Under Goals
This market focuses on the total number of goals scored in a match.
The most common line is Over/Under 2.5 Goals.
Example
Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid
Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.90
If the game finishes:
- 2-1
- 3-0
- 4-2
…the bet wins because at least 3 goals were scored.
Popular goal lines include:
- Over 0.5
- Over 1.5
- Over 2.5
- Over 3.5
Over 1.5 Goals is especially popular in Nigeria for accumulator betting.
4. Correct Score
Correct Score betting means predicting the exact final score of the match.
Example
Man United vs Wolves
Correct Score: 2-1 @ 8.00
If the game finishes exactly 2-1, your bet wins.
This market is harder to win but offers much bigger odds compared to standard match result bets.
5. First Goalscorer & Anytime Goalscorer
These markets focus on players rather than teams.
First Goalscorer
You predict which player will score the first goal of the match.
Anytime Goalscorer
You predict a player to score at any point during the game.
Example
- Victor Osimhen to score anytime @ 2.20
- Erling Haaland to score first @ 4.50
Goalscorer bets are very popular during major matches and international tournaments.
Tip for Nigerian Bettors
Always check:
- recent form
- injuries
- starting line-ups
- penalty takers
before placing goalscorer bets.
6. Double Chance
Double Chance gives you two possible winning outcomes instead of one, making it a safer betting option.
Options
- 1X = Home Win or Draw
- X2 = Draw or Away Win
- 12 = Either Team Wins (No Draw)
Example
Everton vs Newcastle
Double Chance: X2 @ 1.65
You win if:
- Newcastle win
- The match ends in a draw
This market is commonly used by Nigerian bettors when building safer accumulators.
7. Draw No Bet (DNB)
Draw No Bet removes the draw outcome completely.
If the match ends in a draw, your stake is refunded.
Example
AC Milan vs Roma
AC Milan DNB @ 1.85
- Milan win = Bet wins
- Draw = Stake refunded
- Roma win = Bet loses
DNB is popular when backing favourites away from home.
8. Accumulator Bets (Accas)
Accumulator betting is extremely popular in Nigeria.
An accumulator combines multiple selections into one bet slip. Every selection must win for the acca to land.
Example 4-Fold Accumulator
- Arsenal to Win
- Over 1.5 Goals in Real Madrid vs Sevilla
- BTTS in Liverpool vs Newcastle
- Inter Milan to Win
A ₦2,000 accumulator can potentially return a very large payout depending on the odds.
Many Nigerian bettors enjoy accas because they offer the chance to turn a small stake into big winnings.
9. Handicap Betting & Asian Handicap
Handicap betting is used when one team is much stronger than the other.
The bookmaker gives the stronger team a “virtual disadvantage.”
Example
Man City (-1) vs Burnley
For your bet to win, Man City must win by at least two goals.
- 2-0 = Win
- 3-1 = Win
- 1-0 = Lose
Asian Handicap
Asian Handicap removes the draw option completely.
Example
Chelsea -0.5
This simply means Chelsea must win the match.
Example
Chelsea -1
- Win by 2+ goals = Bet wins
- Win by exactly 1 goal = Stake refunded
- Draw or lose = Bet loses
Asian Handicap betting is more common among experienced bettors looking for better value odds.
10. Live Betting (In-Play Betting)
Live betting allows you to place bets while the match is being played.
Odds change constantly depending on what is happening in the game.
Popular Live Betting Markets
- Next Team to Score
- Over/Under Goals
- Match Result
- Next Goalscorer
- Total Corners
- Red Cards
Live betting is hugely popular in Nigeria because many punters prefer watching matches before deciding what to bet on.
11. Outright Betting
Outright bets are long-term wagers placed on tournaments or season outcomes.
Examples
- Premier League Winner
- Champions League Winner
- Top Goalscorer
- Teams to Be Relegated
- AFCON Winner
These bets are often placed before a season or tournament begins.
12. Specials & Prop Bets
Specials are unique betting markets beyond standard match results.
Examples
- Number of Corners
- Total Cards
- Player to Receive a Yellow Card
- Time of First Goal
- VAR Decision
- Penalty Awarded
These markets are especially popular during big derby matches and finals.
Using Bet Builder for Football Betting in Nigeria
Bet Builder has become one of the most popular football betting features on Nigerian betting sites.
It allows you to combine multiple selections from the same match into one custom bet.
Example Bet Builder
Liverpool vs Man United
- Liverpool to Win
- Salah to Score Anytime
- Over 2.5 Goals
- Both Teams to Score
Instead of placing four separate bets, everything is combined into one higher-odds wager.
Why Nigerian Bettors Love Bet Builders
Bigger Odds
Combining several selections significantly increases potential payouts.
More Excitement
You become involved in multiple aspects of the game:
- goals
- cards
- scorers
- corners
Better Match Knowledge
Bet Builders reward bettors who understand football tactics, player form, and match trends.
Football Betting Tips for Nigerian Punters
Using Free Bets and Betting Offers in Nigeria
One of the biggest advantages for football bettors in Nigeria is the wide range of free bets, welcome bonuses, and promotions offered by bookmakers like Bet9ja, SportyBet, 1xBet, BetKing, and others. When used correctly, these offers can add value and help you stretch your bankroll further without increasing your risk.
Free bets are usually given to new users after signing up and placing a qualifying deposit or bet. For example, a bookmaker might offer “bet ₦5,000 and get ₦5,000 in free bets,” which allows you to place additional wagers without using your own money. These bonuses are especially useful when testing different betting markets, such as accumulators or Bet Builders.
However, it’s important to always read the terms and conditions. Most free bets come with rules such as minimum odds requirements, expiry dates, or restrictions on which markets they can be used on. Understanding these conditions helps you avoid losing value on your bonus.
Smart ways Nigerian bettors use free bets:
- Use free bets on slightly higher-odds selections to maximise returns
- Try accumulator bets without risking your own funds
- Test new betting markets like correct score or goalscorer bets
- Compare different bookmaker offers before signing up anywhere
The key is not to treat free bets as “guaranteed money,” but as a low-risk opportunity to explore value bets and improve your strategy. Used wisely, betting offers can give Nigerian punters a real edge, especially when combined with proper research and disciplined bankroll management.
Always Compare Odds
Different betting sites offer different prices. Even small odds differences can make a big impact over the long term.
Avoid Chasing Losses
One bad weekend does not mean you should double your stake trying to recover losses.
Discipline is one of the most important parts of successful betting.
Focus on Leagues You Know
Many Nigerian bettors perform better when focusing on leagues they watch regularly.
Be Careful With Huge Accumulators
20-leg accas may look attractive, but they are very difficult to win consistently.
Smaller, smarter accumulators usually perform better in the long term.
Follow Team News
Always check:
- injuries
- suspensions
- line-ups
- motivation
- fixture congestion
before placing bets.
Final Thoughts
Football betting in Nigeria continues to grow, with more betting markets, live betting options, and promotions than ever before.
Whether you enjoy simple match result bets, high-risk accumulators, live betting, or custom Bet Builders, understanding how each football betting market works is the key to becoming a smarter bettor.
The best Nigerian bettors combine football knowledge, discipline, proper bankroll management, and value betting rather than relying purely on luck.
Most importantly, always bet responsibly and only gamble with money you can afford to lose.