Nigerian football viewing centers face decline amid rising costs and streaming shift

Football viewing centers across Nigeria are struggling to survive due to increasing fuel prices, expensive pay-TV subscriptions, and the growing popularity of mobile streaming. Operators like Jide Ojo in Ibafo, Ogun State, have seen attendance plummet from an average of 20 people to significantly lower numbers. Ojo's operational costs have surged, with petrol prices rising from N124 to over N1,300 per liter and DStv Premium subscriptions with Extra View increasing from N13,900 to N52,000. This has forced him to raise viewing fees from under N100 to N400 per match, yet his monthly profit has dropped from N10,000 per fixture to N40,000-N45,000 before maintenance. Ezekiel Adenekan in Agege, Lagos State, and Aliyu Abu in Kano State report similar declines in patronage and profitability. Some operators, like Habeeb Oladehinde in Ibadan and Ifeanyi Uchendu in Abia State, have been forced to close their businesses entirely due to unsustainable costs and dwindling crowds. Fans like Olakunle Abdulmalik and Segun Ibrahim now prefer streaming matches on their phones due to security concerns, convenience, and the rising costs at viewing centers. Experts note that while viewing centers provide crucial social and economic benefits, including fostering community and supporting grassroots economies, they face immense pressure from technological disruption and inflation. The Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, emphasizes the need for a strategic approach to sus