Sports
Women in Gaming: Sportingbet’s Siddiqa Samsoodien on defying discrimination while smiling
As part of South Africa’s Women’s Month, Clarion Gaming continues to advance the role of women in the industry across the region and internationally with vital insights from some of the industry’s key female figures ahead of this year’s ICE Africa, which takes place on 24 and 25 October at the Sandton Convention Centre, South Africa.
Exploring the challenges facing women in the industry, Siddiqa Samsoodien, CS Supervisor at Sportingbet South Africa, explained: “As a young woman, I have personally faced many challenges in the workplace environment and these challenges grew increasingly difficult once I became a mother. Being in a sports environment, a lot of men automatically assume that they know more than you.
‘Who scored the first goal in the game?’, ‘What is the meaning of handicap?’, men ask women these questions all the time in the hope that they will have the opportunity to correct us as we will probably, in their opinion, get it wrong. This is wrong!
“In the face of this, our response has to be with confidence, as we know that our understanding is always on guard,” she continued. “We make it our mission to strive and prove that we are worthy of being part of the gaming industry as women. On more than one occasion once I open my mouth and discuss the transfer window or Chelsea’s chances of winning the league, men will look at me with shock – surprise!”
Commenting on the path to her current role at Sportingbet, one of Africa’s fastest growing online sportsbetting platforms, Siddiqa said: “It has been a constant challenge to earn respect from men and especially male customers – there is a feeling of having to prove yourself in order to be respected in your position. It should be known that I would not be in the position I am in if I didn’t not only know the material but also have a passion for it. Most times, we as women have to deal with the bias and discrimination on a daily basis and we have to do it while smiling.
“It is unfair, but I have learnt how to handle this and learnt I don’t need to be able to throw some banter around the office to be taken seriously – it does help though. The best advice I could give myself in the past is to let your work do the talking. I know who I am and what I am capable of and this is a lesson I hope to teach my female colleagues and daughter one day. I am essentially very lucky to be a young professional in this day and age and, more importantly, I am lucky to have supporting male colleagues who not only believe in me but also invest in me. Having a support system that encourages your growth and listens to your ideas makes the world of difference for women in the working world.”
Discussing the day-to-day challenges within the industry, she stated: “Sometimes, I still sit back when I have an idea and think to myself, ‘is this going to add value’? I think this is one my biggest challenges and something that I personally try to overcome on a daily basis. Yes, I have worked with men who have undermined me in the past, but I am now working with, and surrounded by, great male and female colleagues and, even though it’s a slow personal development, there is improvement. A woman and her self-doubt kill more dreams than men ever could.”
She continued: “As women, we need to cut the self-doubt in half and double the confidence, as it plays a big role in success. Everyone has to earn credibility, but, realistically, it is much tougher for women. Luckily, we know how to work hard and look good doing it. We practically have to put in twice the amount of effort to get the same amount of acknowledgement from our male co-workers. Unfortunately, this seems to be the all-round reality, but it is important to look at a challenge and use it as your motivation to grow.
“As women and mothers, we have to face a great deal of challenges and, as exhausting as it can be, it is good, because this helps build character. It promotes personal and professional development. We as women need to realize that we have so much to offer and times aren’t just changing, they have changed. Even though the bias is still there, and will probably always be, the way we deal with it is so important. I am very fond of the saying ‘you are your own worst enemy’ – we as women are already facing so many challenges, let’s not add self-doubt to that.”
Siddiqa concluded: “My advice to aspiring young professionals and especially young females in a mostly male dominated industry is to NOT GIVE UP. Always stay true to yourself. Work hard and always put your best foot forward.
“Even when you are being undermined or doubted, it is important to not let the opinions and predisposed thoughts of others hinder you from doing, and being, the best. Set goals for yourself and do not let anyone get in the way of you achieving them. Don’t be afraid to speak up and share your opinions. Don’t be afraid to say ‘no’.”
MTN Nigeria, the official sponsor of the English Premier League (EPL) on SuperSport, successfully hosted an electrifying Manchester Derby watch party at Bay Lounge, Lekki, on April 6, 2025. Football fans gathered for a superb night of live-action football, engaging discussions, and exciting giveaways.
Building on the success of its previous Arsenal vs. Manchester United watch party, MTN Nigeria once again provided a premium viewing experience that brought fans together to celebrate their shared passion for football.
These fans enjoyed their match on a big screen among other football lovers. The Derby ended in a tense goalless draw that, while lacking in goals, was full of drama.
Fans erupted at every near-miss, debated tactical battles, and rode the emotional rollercoaster of a match that left City’s Champions League hopes hanging and reflected Manchester United’s season frustrations.
Looking ahead, this draw presents an opportunity for Newcastle United, as they could overtake City for fifth place if they secure a victory against Leicester City, who are battling relegation, on Monday; highlighting the competitive nature of the league and the dynamic possibilities for all teams involved.
Nwadinma Gregory, one lucky attendee who walked away with an MTN broadband MiFi, said “The energy at the MTN Nigeria watch party was absolutely incredible! Watching the Manchester Derby with fellow fans, experiencing every goal, every near miss and every thrilling moment together made it unforgettable. MTN really knows how to bring football lovers together for an amazing experience!”
One of the biggest talking points was Kevin De Bruyne, who recently announced this would be his final season at Manchester City.
Fans took the opportunity to reflect on his remarkable legacy. Mickhael Ehi, an attendee, shared his thoughts on De Bruyne’s impact and contribution to the team, highlighting the significance of his career at the club: “Seeing De Bruyne in what might be his last Manchester Derby was bittersweet. He’s been a Premier League legend: the assists, the vision, the leadership. Even if he wasn’t at his peak today, you could feel the respect from the crowd. Players like him don’t come around often.”
Lakinbofa Goodluck, MTN Nigeria’s PR Manager, highlighted the brand’s dedication to enhancing football experiences:
“At MTN Nigeria, we are committed to enriching the experiences of our customers and football lovers. The Premier League is more than just football; it’s about community, passion, and unforgettable moments, and we are proud to bring that to our fans.”
With the EPL season still in full swing, MTN Nigeria will continue to create unique engagement opportunities for fans, ensuring they stay connected to the game they love.
…reaffirms MTN Nigeria’s support following ‘draw’ with Zimbabwe.
MTN Nigeria, the official telecommunications partner of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), has reiterated its unwavering support for the Super Eagles following their spirited draw with Zimbabwe in the World Cup qualifier match at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.
Building on the momentum from their recent victory against Rwanda, MTN Nigeria had expressed strong backing for the national team ahead of the crucial fixture. Tobe Okigbo, MTN Nigeria’s Chief Corporate Services & Sustainability Officer, stated before the game, “We are confident in the team’s ability to make Nigeria proud and qualify for the World Cup.”
Despite the draw, MTN Nigeria’s CEO, Karl Toriola, maintained a positive outlook. “While tonight’s outcome wasn’t what we hoped for, we remain steadfast in our support for the Super Eagles. This result is just part of the journey towards World Cup qualification, and we believe in the team’s resilience and ability to succeed,” Toriola said.
The match showcased the Super Eagles’ grit and determination as they found their rhythm against the Zimbabwean side. Nigeria scored the first goal, demonstrating their prowess and fighting spirit, although the match ultimately ended in a draw. This result has added to the excitement of Nigeria’s path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
MTN Nigeria, which signed a deal with the NFF in 2021 as the Official Telecoms Partner, has been a constant pillar of support for Nigerian football for over two decades. The company’s commitment extends from grassroots to national levels, investing significantly in the development of local football.
“Our support for the Super Eagles and all national teams is part of our long-standing tradition,” Toriola added. “We are building a sustainable legacy of collaboration, growth, and development in the football space. Tonight’s result doesn’t change our belief in the team’s potential to make all Nigerians proud on the global stage. We believe in our Eagles.”
As the Super Eagles regroup and prepare for their next qualifier, MTN Nigeria has called on all Nigerians to rally behind the team. The company emphasized that this is a crucial time for unity and continued support, expressing confidence that the Super Eagles will overcome this challenge and strive towards securing a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Sports
Portugal Football Club Signs on 19-Year-Old Nigerian- born Footballer, Yaqub Usman-Malah
Reporter: Sandra Ani
Brito Sporting Club of Portugal, a football club founded in 1956, has signed an official contract with a United Kingdom-based highly-talented, young Nigeria-born footballer, Yaqub Usman-Malah.
The official unveiling of the young promising footballer was carried out on Saturday, January 4, 2025.
Yaqub, born in Nigeria in 2006, is a budding Nigerian talent with unquantifiable promise and potential.
Prior to his official contract with Brito Sporting Club of Portugal, he was a student and a trainee player with the Brooke College Football Academy in the United Kingdom.
At Brooke College Football Academy, Yaqub had an impressive goal average of 17 goals in 32 matches with no injuries in 116 training days, cumulating into 2, 270 minutes of on-field action.
A clear testimony of his outstanding performance at the Academy was provided by the lead coach of the Under-17B team Yaqub played with.
The lead coach, Tomasz Wasylik, described Yaqub as a ‘well-liked person’ and a role model to his teammates due to his professionalism and unmatched work rate.
The Lead Coach further stated that Yaqub has played in National School Cup competitions against other colleges and programmes in the 2023/2024 session and is a good ‘tactical player’, ‘technically good” and can ‘play in multiple positions on the field’.
It is expected that Yaqub will live to the potential and promise identified by Coach Tomasz Wasylik of the Brooke College Football Academy and achieve greatness in his new club.
“While looking forward to the display of his unarguable skills and boundless stamina, we wish Yaqub a successful career and a place in the halls of football greatness across the globe,” Yaqub’s father, Mr Usman Malah said in a statement issued to the media, on Wednesday 8, 2025.
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