How Adesanya's bet win on Enyimba FC can boost NPFL’s visibility, journalist explains

• Israel Adesanya’s high-profile bet has brought more attention to the NPFL
• The UFC champion won the bet after Enyimba FC defeated Lobi Stars 2-1 in their NPFL match
• Enyimba now has six points from two matches, sitting fourth on the NPFL table

UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has drawn social attention off the octagon by pocketing ten million naira following a well-placed bet on Enyimba FC. 

His N3 million wager on the Nigerian club’s NPFL clash with Lobi Stars yielded a handsome payout of N10 million.

The NPFL match saw Enyimba strike early, with Chinedu Ufere netting a brilliant goal in the 14th minute. Moments later, Eze Ekwutoziam doubled the advantage through a well-taken penalty, giving Enyimba a 2-0 lead. Despite Lobi Stars’ fightback, capped off by Waheed Adebayor’s 36th-minute goal, the Aba Warriors held firm for a second straight league victory, following their earlier triumph over Heartland.

With six points from two matches, Enyimba now sits comfortably in fourth place on the NPFL table, despite having played fewer games than most of their competitors. The buzz around the NPFL continues to build, with high-profile figures like Adesanya bringing more attention to the league.

Renowned Nigerian photojournalist and NPFL enthusiast, Michael Adegbile, remarked, “Celebrities like Adesanya can boost the league’s profile, ensuring more fans tune in to watch the game. His view is shared by many who believe that such endorsements will draw both local and international viewers to Nigeria’s domestic football, it’s up to the governing body to ensure matches are televised and accessible for fans to follow; that would be the genuine triumph for Nigeria’s premier football league. 

“However, it is left for the body in charge of the league to leverage this influence, put these sorts of games on TV and give people easy access to follow the league, that truly will be the real win for the country’s premier football league.”

Adesanya, known for his bold bets, previously staked $10,000 on Anthony Joshua to win by knockout against Daniel Dubois in their IBF heavyweight bout, but that wager didn’t pan out. 

With bookmakers like Bet9ja and Nairabet increasing their focus on NPFL games, the league will surely attract greater attention and fan engagement.

Nigerian star Israel Adesanya pockets staggering money despite loss to Du Plessis in UFC 305 final

Previously, TheRadar reported that Adesanya, known as 'The Last Stylebender', is set to earn a guaranteed $750,000 for the UFC 305 fight, while Du Plessis is set to collect $500,000. 

With the anticipated strong performance of the pay-per-view broadcast, both fighters are expected to walk away with earnings well into seven figures. Du Plessis earned slightly less than Adesanya despite his victory.