Afrobeats superstar Davido is once again at the centre of online conversation after reports emerged that he lost a multi-million shilling bet following Nigeria’s dramatic Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final defeat to Morocco.
Ahead of the much-anticipated clash, Davido shared screenshots of his betting slip on social media, revealing that he had placed a significant wager on Nigeria to defeat Morocco.
According to multiple reports from Nigerian and regional media outlets, the singer staked approximately ₦75 million (about $50,000 or over KSh 7 million) on the match.
The bet reportedly included conditions that Nigeria would win within regulation time, with additional outcomes tied to goals scored.
However, the tightly contested match failed to meet any of those criteria, resulting in the total loss of the stake once the game went to penalties and Morocco emerged victorious.
In a post shared before kick-off, Davido confidently hinted at Nigeria’s chances, writing:
Nigeria to make the finals… I believe in my country.”
That confidence, however, did not translate into success on the pitch.
Nigeria entered the semi-final with strong momentum, having impressed throughout the tournament. Morocco, on the other hand, had been tipped as favourites, boasting a disciplined squad and a solid defensive structure.
Still, many fans defended the artist, noting that betting losses are not uncommon and that Davido has never shied away from openly celebrating wins or owning losses.
“Football has no mercy,” one social media user commented. “Today you’re winning millions, tomorrow penalties take it all.”
This is not the first time Davido’s betting habits during AFCON have made headlines. Earlier in the tournament, the singer reportedly won a sizable amount after correctly predicting Nigeria’s victory in a group-stage fixture.
Those earlier wins fuelled his confidence heading into the latter stages of the competition.
Davido’s loss has reignited conversations around celebrity betting culture, particularly when stars share betting slips publicly.
While some view it as harmless entertainment, others argue it glamorises gambling, especially among younger audiences who closely follow celebrities online.