How to Bet on Football

Football keeps fans watching all year round, from league weekends to major tournament nights. Online betting on football matches adds a separate layer built around results, goals, and other match events. The events schedule in this sport is very rich, and there are numerous matches happening throughout the year. The year began with the Africa Cup of Nations, while the Champions League final and the World Cup bring more major fixtures later in 2026. Here is how to bet on football and what types of bets are available.

Types of Bets

1xBet includes different market types, so there is more to how to bet on football matches than choosing a winner. A market does not improve the chance of a winning result by itself; it simply changes what needs to happen on the pitch for the bet to land. 

Wager Type

Details

Over/under goals

You bet on the total number of goals scored in a game. You do not need to guess which team will win.

Match winner (1X2)

You choose one of three results in normal time: a home win (1), a draw (X), or an away win (2).

Both teams to score (BTTS)

This bet is about whether both teams will score at least one goal during the regular 90 minutes of the game. This time includes injury time but does not include extra time or penalty shootouts.

Double chance

A double chance wager allows you to bet on two out of three possible outcomes in a match, including a draw.

How to Bet on Football in Nigeria Step-by-Step

Ready to learn how to bet on football? The process starts with a match, a market, and a careful look at the betslip: 

  1. Log in to your 1xBet account or register (18+).

  2. Find the football section on the main page, choose a competition, and open the match you are interested in.

  3. Check the stake limits, the displayed odds, and the rules for that market. 

  4. Pick a stake that stays within your budget, then add the selection to the betslip. 

  5. Review your choice and confirm your bet.

For anyone learning how to bet on football in Nigeria, football markets are also available through supported mobile options.

What Is Worth Checking First Before Placing a Bet

Anyone trying to learn how to bet on football and win should begin with one plain fact: no method can guarantee the result of a match or a wager. A few checks can still keep a rushed choice off the betslip:

  • Knowing what the bet means. A match can be simple to follow, but a market may be settled on goals, normal-time results, or another detail entirely.

  • Looking at the match, not just the price. Odds alone do not tell the full story, so it makes sense to read recent results, team news, and player availability before choosing a market. None of this guarantees a return.

  • Leaving team loyalty in the stands. Any clear explanation of how to bet on football for beginners should make one thing obvious: supporting a club does not make it more likely to win. Even if you support a particular team, use reliable match information to understand the selection and the risk before you place a wager.

In football betting, different types of bets come with various odds, and your chances depend on the event and the bets you make. In addition, players should always remember responsible betting principles.

FAQ

How to bet on football at 1xBet Nigeria?

After account access, legal-age users can open the football section and view the available matches and markets. Before a wager is confirmed, the selection, stake, odds, and market rules should all be checked in the betslip.

How to win a bet on football at 1xBet Nigeria?

There is no guaranteed way to win a football bet. When considering how to bet on football, look at recent form, team news, market rules, and displayed odds, then keep the stake inside a set budget.

What does a handicap bet mean in football?

In handicap betting, a virtual goal advantage or disadvantage is added for settlement only. For example, a +1 handicap counts one extra goal for that team when the bet is settled, but it does not change the score on the pitch.

What does a double chance mean in betting?

Double chance covers two of the three normal-time results: home win or draw, away win or draw, or either team to win. Because two results are covered instead of one, the potential return may be lower than with a standard 1X2 pick.