Pulse Sports ranks the top 10 Nigerian sports influencers of the year.
Nigeria's sports influencers of 2023 represent a diverse array of sporting disciplines, each contributing to naija’s vibrant sports culture.
From football to basketball, and even athletics, these influencers not only entertain but also inspire millions, fostering a deeper connection between athletes and fans in the digital age.
As social media continues to play a pivotal role in shaping public perception, the influence of these individuals is expected to grow even more, leaving a lasting impact on the Nigerian sports landscape.
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As 2023 comes to an end, Pulse Sports Lifestyle Desk ranks the top 10 sports influencers of the year.
These influencers are not just athletes but also influential figures who inspire and engage a massive audience.
Full list: Top 10 Nigerian Sports Influencers of 2023
10. Latifat Adebayo
Platform: X
Latifat Adebayo-Ohio, an ITTF Africa journalist, is commendable for promoting grassroots sports in Nigeria through her platform.
With almost 40,000 followers on her X account, she consistently shares content covering various sports, including basketball, tennis, and football.
As one of the few female sports influencers in Nigeria, she has been lauded for her versatility while quietly pushes boundaries on social media, making her a notable candidate this year.
9. Debby
Platform: X
A devoted Arsenal fan, Debby is a prominent female sports influencer on Nigerian football Twitter.
As the co-host of Arsenal Town Hall Spaces on the X platform, she has experienced a significant surge in social media engagement, particularly on X, where she boasts nearly 30,000 followers.
With an average of over 1.5K reactions on most of her posts, she is a must-follow for fellow Gunners enthusiasts.
As of 2023, she is one of the most popular females on Nigerian football twitter.
8. Mike The Pundit
Platform: X
Renowned Nigerian journalist and NPFL commentator, Mike The Pundit, stands as a prominent figure in the local scene.
With unwavering dedication, he consistently promotes the Nigerian Professional Football League, maintaining high energy levels this year.
Despite persistent controversies surrounding the league, Mike remains steadfast in his commitment to spotlighting its positives and untapped potential on the Nigerian local stage through his platform.
7. Elvis Tunde
Platform: X
Elvis Tunde, a dedicated sports influencer and true Chelsea supporter, reigns as one of football's banter kings on social media.
Boasting over 129,000 followers on his official X account, Elvis garners an average of 2.7K total engagements on posts within Elon Musk's platform. Noteworthy for his unwavering commitment to the West London club, he has stood by them during challenging times.
He has since pitched his tent with Lionel Messi in the legendary GOAT debate.
6. Eagles Tracker
Platform: Instagram
Eagles Tracker secured the 2022 Sports Influencer of the Year accolade from Pulse Nigeria.
Since then, the influencer has consistently delivered high-quality content, spotlighting Nigerian footballers making significant strides globally.
The brand is praised for its dedication to monitoring an extensive database of Nigerian footballers and Super Eagles prospects playing abroad.
5. BecksFCB
Platform: X
Joshua Ubeku, popularly known as BecksFCB, is one of the biggest football influencers on the X platform.
A Culer through and through, Becks is an avid fan of 8-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi and constantly posts about the Barcelona legend via his platform.
Becks averages at least 1K total engagements on his posts on X.
Via his platform, Becks doesn't shy away from criticising Barcelona players who underperform in crucial matches.
4. Pooja
Platform: X
Pooja, despite possibly appearing as a provocative figure to many social media followers, is undeniably one of Nigeria's most versatile sports journalists.
His innovative reporting style has expanded his influence well beyond football, becoming a prominent voice in social discussions.
As of 2023, Pooja has almost 600,000 followers on the X platform, solidifying his status as a major Nigerian sports influencer.
Despite his occasional controversial viewpoints on football and societal matters, he consistently averages a minimum of 5K total engagements on most of his posts, demonstrating his continued success.
3. Kelechi AFC
Platform: Instagram
Dr Kelechi Anyikude is a prominent YouTuber, Digital Marketer and influencer.
Known for his energetic and jovial demeanour, Kelechi is known for his unwavering support of Arsenal.
His infectious enthusiasm for the team resonates with everyone who shares a passion for the Gunners.
His positive and inclusive approach to fandom has made him a favorite among Arsenal supporters, creating a community that appreciates both his love for the club and his ability to bring people together through their shared devotion to the game.
2. CFC Mod
Platform: X
CFC Mod is widely beloved for his unwavering support of Chelsea FC.
Often described as charismatic, Mod resonates with football enthusiasts, and has garnered widespread admiration for his infectious enthusiasm for the Blues.
As of 2023, he boasts over 627,000 followers on the X platform, making him the second most influential Nigerian football influencer on social media.
His content reflects not only his deep passion for Chelsea but also his ability to connect with fans across various platforms, creating a positive and inclusive online community.
Averaging at least 7K total engagements on his posts on X, Mod has often been involved in epic back and forth banter with other renowned accounts on the social media platform including UTDTrey, The European Lad, and even WelBeast.
In the dynamic world of football influencers, Mod’s Chelsea-centric approach has earned him a special place in the hearts of supporters worldwide.
1. UTD Trey
Platform: X
No surprise as to who owns the top spot in 2023.
UTD Trey firmly holds the top spot as the foremost Nigerian sports influencer.
With over 934,000 followers on X, Trey outshines every influencer on this list, boasting the highest engagements (averaging at least 10,000 total engagements) on the platform.
Notably, Trey is estimated to have generated the highest revenue through posts on Elon Musk’s platform this year.
Trey's influence extends beyond numbers; his dynamic presence is so impactful that his account's suspension reverberates globally in the footballing world.
He's earned the title of the 'Jinx Lord,' recognized for his uncanny ability to predict match outcomes in reverse.
His distinctive avatar on X has become iconic, ensuring that Trey's influence will be remembered for years to come.
In 2023, Trey continued to dominate as the most influential Nigerian football account on X, having been followed by several football stars like the 2023 CAF Player of the Year winner Victor Osimhen, and Manchester United’s rising sensation, Alejandro Garnacho.
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