Abuja, Nigeria. March 11th, 2024 – A new public opinion poll released by NOIPolls has revealed that a significant proportion of adult Nigerians nationwide (59 percent) follow the English Premier League. However, further findings revealed that only a handful of adult Nigerians (8 percent) follow the Spanish Laliga, while 2 percent mentioned they follow the Italian Serie A and the French Ligue 1. In all, 67 percent of adult Nigerians interviewed stated that they do watch football.
In terms of support, for those who follow the English Premier League, Chelsea FC (28 percent) has the highest proportion of respondents who support the team and interestingly, more female respondents (32 percent) expressed support for Chelsea than male (25 percent). This is followed by Manchester United (23 percent) and Arsenal (21 percent). In terms of winning, a higher proportion of respondents (22 percent) have predicted that Liverpool FC would win the 2023/2024 English Premier League season. This tipping cannot be unconnected to the clubs’ outstanding performance in the present season as well as being on top of the league table at the time of the poll having amassed 63 points from 27 matches. This is closely followed by Manchester City (21 percent) and Arsenal (18 percent).
Additional findings revealed that most adult Nigerians (86 percent) followed the African Cup of Nations which was hosted by Cote D’Ivoire. Interestingly, a vast majority (92 percent) predicted that Nigeria would lift the trophy at the time this poll was conducted. In contrast, only a handful of respondents predicted that Cote d’Ivoire (1 percent) or South Africa (1 percent) would win the Africa Nation’s Cup.
Only 34 percent of respondents say they follow the Nigerian Premier League and patriotism (45 Percent) came up tops as the reason why respondents follow the league. However, 66 percent of respondents say they do not follow the Nigerian Premier League. Some of the reasons include boring matches (31 percent), not finding time out of busy schedules to watch the matches (24 percent), matches not up to standard and not transmitting live matches both tied at 6 percent. Others cited were Poor organization, corrupt officiating, and low publicity (5 percent). To gain more followership in the league, some respondents suggested that the league should be more entertaining (12 percent), create more awareness (10 percent), and use quality players amongst other reasons.
Further findings revealed that amongst those who follow the Nigerian premier league, 27 percent support Kano Pillars, Enyimba FC (14 percent), and Enugu Rangers (8 percent). Also, a higher proportion of respondents (22 percent) tipped Kano Pillars to win the Nigerian Premier League. While 17 percent stated that Enyimba FC would win the league, 7 percent tipped Enugu Rangers to win the league. Similarly, more findings showed a significant proportion of adult Nigerians interviewed (42 percent) support their club because it is the club of their state of origin while 38 percent stated they support their club because they play good football. These are some of the key findings from the Football Poll conducted in the week commencing February 1st, 2024.
Background
Football is a game in which two opposing teams of 11 players each defend goals at opposite ends of a field having goal posts at each end, with points being scored chiefly by carrying the ball across the opponent's goal line and by place-kicking or drop-kicking the ball over the crossbar between the opponent's goal posts[1].
Modern football originated in Britain in the 19th century[2]. Since before medieval times, “folk football” games had been played in towns and villages according to local customs and with a minimum of rules.
Football is the world’s most popular ball game in number of participants and spectators[3]. Simple in its principal rules and essential equipment, the sport can be played almost anywhere, from official football playing fields (pitches) to gymnasiums, streets, school playgrounds, parks, or beaches. According to the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), the viewership of the 2018 World Cup was estimated to be 3.57 billion, close to half of the global population, while the engagement with the 2022 World Cup was estimated to be 5 billion, with about 1.5 billion people watching the final match[4].
The game unites people from different cultures, races, and backgrounds as the exciting moments thrill football enthusiasts and over time, different football leagues sprang up. The Premier League, also affectionately known as The Premiership, is the pride of football in the United Kingdom[5]. In February of 1992, The FA Premier League was formed, and the first games were played in August of the same year[6]. The FA Premier League’s name was officially changed to the Premier League in 2007[7]. The English Premiership is wildly popular throughout the world and owes much of its success to media coverage of football sporting events[8]. The league is also known as Barclays Premier League since its official sponsor is Barclays Bank[9].
The Premier League’s football season runs from August to May and each team plays a total of 38 games. Over the years, a total of 40 football clubs have participated in The Premier League. However, of the 40 teams that have competed in The Premier League, only a handful of the clubs have won the UK Premiership title – those teams include Manchester United, Blackburn Rovers, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City FC[10].
In the same vein, the Nigeria Football Federation created the Nigeria Premier League in May 1990[11]. It was organized by the Nigeria Football League in 1990 as a step in attaining full professionalism as the sole regulatory body for football in Nigeria. The Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) is the highest level of football club in the Nigerian football league system. However, across ages, Enyimba has been the most successful, winning the professional league eight times. They are followed by the crowd-pulling Kano Pillars who won four times, while Shooting Stars, Heartland and Lobi Stars have each won twice[12].
The Nigerian Premier League has suffered like many others, from the financial impact and dwindling fortunes since the late 2000s.[13] Against this background, NOIPolls surveyed to measure the opinions of Nigerians regarding the English premier league and the Nigerian premier league, and hereby presents its findings.
Survey Findings
To ascertain Nigerian's enthusiasm, the survey posed the first question ‘’Do you watch football?’’. Analysis revealed that most adult Nigerians (67 percent) nationwide affirmed they watch football. On the other hand, 33 percent of the respondents stated otherwise.
Respondents who affirmed they watch football were further asked if they were following the Africa Cup of Nations hosted by Cote D’Ivoire. Analysis revealed majority (86 percent) of Adult Nigerians who watch football answered ‘Yes’, to watching the Africa Cup of Nations. On the contrary, a few (14 percent) said “No”. More analysis shows that the South-West zone (91 percent) accounted for the highest number of football loving Nigerians who followed/watched the tournament. This is followed by North-West zone (90 percent), and South-East (88 percent), cutting across all age brackets. The survey also revealed that more men (92 percent) followed/watched the tournament than women (81 percent).
Interestingly, respondents were asked their opinion on which country they think would win the Africa Nations Cup, and the vast majority (92 percent) predicted that Nigeria would lift the coveted trophy. However, a meager (2 percent) of adult Nigerians predicted that Ivory Coast or South Africa would win, while 6 percent out rightly stated that they did not know. This cuts across geo-political zones and gender.
Furthermore, the survey sought to know the followership of the different football leagues among adult Nigerians. It posed the question “Which football league do you follow/watch?’’. Respondents were allowed to pick only one option. Findings reveal that slightly above half ( 59 percent) of adult Nigerians who watch football follow the English Premier League. However, 8 percent follow Spanish Laliga, 2 percent watch/follow the Nigerian Premier League, and 2 percent the Italian Series and the French League (1 percent) respectively.
However, while 29 percent out rightly stated that they do not follow/watch any football leagues, the South-East and North-Central zones (72 percent each) account for the regions with the highest proportion of respondents who follow the English Premier League. This is followed by the South-South zone (66 percent), South-West (62 percent), North-West (57 percent), and North-East zone (38 percent) having the lowest proportion of respondents who follow the EPL. Also, there are more males (65 percent) than females (56 percent) who follow the EPL. The age group (18-35) respondents (64 percent) and age group (36-60) (61 percent) have more respondents than age group (61 and above) (48 percent) who follow the league.
Out of the 41 percent of the respondents who follow other football leagues or none, 80 percent stated that they do not follow the EPL. However, 20 percent affirmed that they follow the English Premier League with the South-South zone (23 percent) having the highest number of respondents who disclosed this. Also, there are more males (31 percent) than females (10 percent) who follow the EPL.
Respondents were further asked the English Premier League club they mainly support, and poll findings revealed that a good proportion of respondents (28 percent) affirm they support Chelsea with the South-South Zone (42 percent) accounting the region with the highest proportion of respondents who support Chelsea FC. Interestingly, more females (32 percent) than males (25 percent) indicated support for Chelsea FC. This is then followed by Manchester United FC (23 percent), Arsenal FC (21 percent), Manchester City FC (7 percent), Liverpool FC (6 percent) and Tottenham FC (1 percent). On the contrary, 14 percent of adult Nigerians stated that they do not support any club in the English Premier League.
When asked which Nigerian footballer they think is the most valuable in the EPL. Findings reveal top-picks are Alex Iwobi (17 percent), Taiwo Awoniyi (9 percent), and Michael Oliseh (8 percent). Others are Frank Onyeka (4 percent), Kelechi Iheanacho (2 percent), Wilfred Ndidi (2 percent), Ola Aina (1 percent), and Kelvin Bassey (1 percent). However, a large proportion of adult Nigerians interviewed (31 percent) opined no Nigerian footballer is valuable in the EPL. While quite a good number (25 percent) out rightly stated that they do not know.
Respondents were asked their opinion on who will win the English Premier League this season and a good proportion (22 percent) said Liverpool will win the league. More males (27 percent) than females (14 percent) respondents who believe Liverpool FC will win the league. Interestingly, 21 percent predict that Manchester City FC will lift the coveted league trophy. Other teams predicted to win the league include Arsenal FC (18 percent), Chelsea FC (6 percent), Manchester United FC (4 percent), Aston Villa (1 percent). However, a higher proportion (28 percent) of adult Nigerians interviewed revealed that they do not know which league will win the 2023/2024 season.
On the other hand, the poll sought to know the proportion of Nigerians who follow the Nigerian Premier league, and the poll result reveals that only 34 percent of Nigerians follow the Nigerian league with the North-East (41 percent) being the region with the highest proportion of respondents who follow the league. While a large proportion (66 percent) say they do not follow the Nigerian Premier League. The South-West (74 percent) has the highest proportion of respondents who do not follow the Nigerian Premier League.
Furthermore, 34 percent who follow the Nigerian Premier League mentioned several reasons for their choice of followership, this includes patriotism (45 percent), good players (20 percent), general love for football (10 percent) amongst other reasons stated. On the flip side, the higher proportion (66 percent) of adult Nigerians who do not fancy the Nigerian Premier League gave their reasons and the top mentioned are boring (31 percent), no time to watch (24 percent), not up to standard (6 percent). Other reasons include They do not show the matches (6 percent), poor organization and corrupt officiating (5 percent), lack of publicity (5 percent), and Epileptic power supply (4 percent) amongst others.
Additionally, adult Nigerians who follow the Nigerian Premier Leagues were asked the club they mainly support and the poll result revealed that Kano Pillars (27 percent) has the highest proportion of respondents who affirmed their support for the team. This is followed by Enyimba United FC (14 percent), Enugu Rangers FC (8 percent), and Plateau United FC (3 percent), Lobi Stars (3 percent) amongst other teams in the league.
When asked the reason for their choice, a significant proportion of respondents (42 percent ) revealed that ‘’because it’s my state club’’. 38 percent disclosed that they love the club because they play well, and 12 percent revealed ‘’they just like them’’, amongst other reasons mentioned.
The survey also sought to know the opinion of adult Nigerians on the Nigerian premier league club they think will win the 2023/2024 season. The highest proportion ( 22 percent ) tipped Kano Pillars to win the season. Of those who predict Enyimba will win 17 percent, while 7 percent believe Enugu Rangers will lift the trophy this season.
Finally, the survey sought to know what can be done to increase followership of the Nigerian Premier League. A higher proportion of the respondents (12 percent) suggest that the game should be made more entertaining. Other suggestions include raising awareness (10 percent), using good players to play good football (9 percent), Government support (9 percent), Good sponsorship and management (8 percent), televising on local and foreign TV stations at convenient times (8 percent), as well as Improve electricity (7 percent).
Conclusion
In conclusion, a good proportion of Nigerians (67 percent) watch football, while 33 percent do not fancy the game. Interestingly, findings revealed that most adult Nigerians interviewed (86 percent) followed the Africa Cup of Nations hosted by Cote D’Ivoire and the vast majority (92 percent) predicted that Nigeria would lift the trophy. The poll results also revealed that a higher proportion of adult Nigerians (59 percent) follow the English Premier League as against 34 percent who follow the Nigerian Premier League.
Among respondents who follow the English Premier League, Chelsea FC (28 percent) has the highest supporters followed by Manchester United FC (23 percent). Nigerians (22 percent) tipped the Liverpool FC to win the 2023/2024 Premier League season. Currently, Liverpool FC is topping the league with 57 points having won 17 games played and lost just 2 of their games.
Contrarily, the followership of the Nigerian Premier League is low (34 percent) as revealed by the poll. Also, Kano Pillars were tipped by respondents (22 percent) to win the Nigerian Premier League and the same Kano Pillars have the largest followership (27 percent). Lastly, there is an urgent need for the football administrators in the country to step up and address some of the issues that have caused low followership and disinterestedness in the Nigerian premiership as the importance of football as a unifying factor in the country cannot be overemphasized.
Survey Methods
The opinion poll was conducted in the week commencing February 1st, 2024. It involved telephone interviews of a proportionate nationwide sample of 1,000 randomly selected phone-owning Nigerians aged 18 years and above, representing the six Geo-Political regions 36 states, and the FCT of the country. Interviews were conducted in 5 languages – Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba, Pidgin English, and English. Although we can say with 95% confidence that the results obtained were statistically precise – within a margin of error of plus or minus 4.65%; we recognize that the exclusive use of telephone polling has its limitation of excluding non-phone-owning Nigerians. Nonetheless, with the country’s tele density put over 100 percent by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), we consider our telephone polling approach appropriate. Also, given the rigorous scientific process of randomization and stratification applied, we can confidently stand by the validity of our methodology and approach. NOIPolls Limited, No. 1 for country-specific polling services in West Africa. We conduct periodic opinion polls and studies on various socio-economic and political issues in Nigeria. More information is available at www.noi-polls.com.
Disclaimer
This press release has been produced by NOIPolls Limited to provide information on all issues that form the subject matter of the document. Kindly note that while we are willing to share results from our polls with the public, we only request that NOIPolls be acknowledged as authors whenever and wherever our poll results are used, cited, or published. NOIPolls hereby certifies that all the views expressed in this document accurately reflect the views of respondents surveyed for the poll, and background information is based on information from various sources that it believes are reliable; however, no representation is made that it is accurate or complete. Whilst reasonable care has been taken in preparing this document, no responsibility or liability is accepted for errors or facts, or any views expressed herein by NOIPolls for actions taken because of information provided in this report. Any ratings, forecasts, estimates, opinions, or views herein constitute a judgment as of the date of this document. If the date of this document is not current, the views and content may not reflect NOIPolls' current findings and/or thinking.
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[4] https://www.fifa.com/tournaments/mens/worldcup/qatar2022/news/one-month-on-5-billion-engaged-with-the-fifa-world-cup-qatar-2022-tm
[5] https://www.streetdirectory.com/travel_guide/43683/recreation_and_sports/a_brief_history_and_overview_of_the_english_premier_league.html