By: Adekunle-Oni Daniel

Football, also known as soccer, is one of the oldest sports in the world. Long before it became the modern game that is widely cherished today, people had played its older versions in countries like ancient China, Rome, and medieval Europe. These early versions were often rough and wild. But in October 1863, its format took a new turn after the establishment of the Football Association (FA) in London. The Football Association created a set of official rules, finally separating football from rugby, which marked the journey of modern soccer.

Back in the days, only the biggest matches like World Cup games, local derbies, or finals were shown on TV. Some leagues were only available through delayed broadcasts. Most fans had to settle for match highlights streamed hours or even days later. In the 1980s and 90s, satellite TV made things better, but it still was not like the instant access we have now. Radio was very popular. Fans would sit by their radios, listening to eloquent commentators who had to describe every detail of the match. Nigerian legends like the late Ernest Okonkwo brought matches to life with their rich commentary. His descriptions were so vivid that even without visuals, fans felt like they were in the stadium.

Watching games live at the stadium was one of the only ways to fully enjoy football. Back then, people mostly supported their local teams. Foreign leagues were hard to follow. You could read about legends like the late Maradona or Pelé, but actually watching them play was rare unless it was a big tournament. It was also a time when rumors spread like fire. The famous tale that India once beat Nigeria 99-1 was widely believed until the internet became more accessible and the truth could be verified.

Today, football has become much more than a simple game between two teams. It is now a global force worth billions of dollars, filled with emotion, and followed like a religion. In Nigeria and around the world, football is no longer just entertainment, it has become an art of industry. From heavy commercialization to the rise of football banter, sports betting, and emotional highs and lows, the game affects fans in overwhelming ways.

One of the most interesting parts of modern football is the banter and sometimes savage exchanges between fans. In Nigeria, this “bants” culture is now part of everyday life, especially after big games. The Premier League has a huge fan base here, and when teams like Manchester United lose, fans of Arsenal, Chelsea, or Liverpool flood social media with memes and jokes. You will hear things like, “Man U should be relegated to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and play against Bendel Insurance.” And when Arsenal messes up a title race, opposing fans quickly say, “Arsenal na bottler FC.” These jokes can be hilarious, but sometimes they go too far. In viewing centres across Nigeria, fans gather to watch games together, and the banter can quickly turn into heated arguments.

It is not just in Nigeria that fans love to roast rival teams. When Barcelona lost 8-2 to Bayern Munich in the 2020 Champions League, the internet exploded with jokes. People said it looked more like a basketball score and joked that Messi needed therapy. But banter is not just for fun, it helps fans deal with disappointment or show off when their team wins.

Modern football is also a big business. The global football industry is now worth over $600 billion. Top leagues like the Premier League, La Liga, and Serie A make billions every year through TV rights, sponsorships, merchandise, and tickets. Players like Mbappé and Haaland earn more money than top CEOs.

In Nigeria, football is more than a passion. While local teams like Enyimba and Rangers still struggle with funding, European leagues attract huge viewership here. Big brands like telecoms and betting companies spend billions on football ads. The game has also created jobs. Commentators, YouTubers, podcasters, and influencers now make a living from running commentary about football. But not all parts of football’s growth are positive. Sports betting has become one of its most controversial downsides. In Nigeria, you can hardly separate betting from football. Platforms like Bet9ja, SportyBet, and BetKing are everywhere. Many young people, and even older fans, place bets hoping to turn small amounts into big ones.

This kind of betting comes with huge emotional risks. One last-minute goal or a VAR decision in the 94th minute can destroy a betting ticket, leading to heartbreak, depression, and, in some sad cases, suicide. In 2019, a Nigerian man reportedly took his life in Lagos after losing a big bet. A similar story happened in Kenya when a student used his school fees to bet and lost. Even in places like India and the UK, people have taken their lives after losing big on football bets.

What makes football truly different is its emotional power. One late goal in a final can make you cry from joy or heartbreak. In Nigeria, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Arsenal fans wear their club colors proudly. Some people even name their children after players. Others skip work or postpone weddings just so they won’t miss a big game.

When Argentina beat France in the 2022 World Cup final, millions of people around the world cried tears of joy for Messi. Even though Nigeria did not qualify, the streets of Lagos went crazy in celebration. At the University of Ibadan, students are no different. During major games, the common rooms in hostels are full of noise and excitement. Fans cheer, shout, and, of course, throw around bants. You might hear a Chelsea fan teasing an Arsenal fan with, “Where is your Champions League trophy?”

But banter, as you would come to agree, doesn’t always bring joy. Sometimes, it leads to real disappointment, especially among student fans. As the Premier League and other global tournaments kick off again, football fans at the University of Ibadan will fill the viewing centres. Some bragging about wins, and others silently hoping not to be the next target of banter.

One of the biggest football debates that never ends is the Ronaldo vs Messi argument. Fans on both sides always have their points. They argue using statistics, trophies and performances. Some say Messi is better because he won the World Cup. Others say Ronaldo did it in more leagues. These arguments can go on forever. Only fans with deep knowledge of the game can really hold their ground in such debates.

While banter is fun, there are lines that should never be crossed. When jokes turn into insults or disrespect, it stops being football culture and becomes something toxic. Banter should be based on facts and not lies. Just because your team lost doesn’t mean you should start making things up. As the new season begins, viewing centres and common rooms at the University of Ibadan will once again be buzzing with cheers and debates, and plenty of banter, both from those in the front row and those quietly watching from the back. It is very important that football fans consider being polite and modest even as they throw these bants.