Coinciding with the return of the European football season, a new force has entered Nigeria’s gaming scene.
GinjaBet, fully licensed by the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority and powered by UpGaming’s trusted iGaming infrastructure, officially launched with a bold unveiling — the announcement of Nigerian rap star, Blaqbonez, as its very first brand ambassador.
The launch event, held at the Naval Dockyard on Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, saw the “Emeka Must Shine” crooner share his excitement about joining the gaming space.
Blaqbonez confessed his deep love for sports, adding that he could easily consider himself a pundit” given how often he shares insights with millions of fans across his social media platforms.
Positioning itself as more than just another sportsbook, GinjaBet promises Nigerian players quick wallet transactions, rich odds, exclusive “Ginja Games,” and a dynamic platform designed to deliver control, fun, and excitement.
Speaking at the event, GinjaBet’s Chief Executive Officer, Joe Richa, emphasized that the launch represented more than just a new company entering the market:
“GinjaBet is not just the unveiling of a brand, but the introduction of a new energy, a fresh vibe into Nigeria’s sports betting landscape.”
On why Nigeria was chosen as the starting point for expansion, Richa explained:
“Our mother company, investors, and shareholders are people driven by passion, energy, and a spirit of innovation. When the idea of expanding into Nigeria was first presented, there was excitement because Lagos is one of the largest and most vibrant markets in Africa.
“There was concern too, because it was our very first venture into the continent. But what stood out in that room was the fire, the undeniable conviction that Nigeria was the right place to channel our energy, ideas, and resources.”
That “fire,” he said, led to months of research, collaboration, and innovation to build a brand that embodies energy, vibes, and the spirit of Nigeria’s youth culture.
“We wanted to build a platform that doesn’t just offer betting, but one that gives users a sense of belonging, fun, and trust. From our technology to our customer engagement, everything has been carefully designed to deliver a seamless, modern and responsible gaming experience.”
GinjaBet’s Head of Marketing, George Mbam, explained what sets the platform apart:
“One of the things that we are very big on — GinjaBet is not just a brand selling a product, it is a brand selling a movement.
“That’s one of the core pillars on which we are building the brand. We believe that many other brands don’t fully represent the target audience. What we are looking to do is to fill that gap and truly represent them.”
Blaqbonez, visibly energized by the partnership, shared how perfectly the timing aligns with his career and personal passions:
“I’ve always been passionate about football. I watch a lot, I put so much energy into it, and people don’t even realize. This partnership is amazing because it aligns with everything I want to do. I even see myself in the future as a football coach. This is just perfect for me right now.”
He added that his fans could expect to join him on this journey in a way that’s both entertaining and rewarding:
“I’m somebody that bets responsibly, I predict games, and I consider myself a pundit in a way. So you can follow me on this journey, it can make you a millionaire, and at the end of the day, you’ll have fun.”
With music, football, and gaming all colliding, GinjaBet’s launch signals the beginning of a new, youth-driven chapter in Nigeria’s sports entertainment space.
