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Naira Marley warns Nigerian youths against betting addiction
Nigerian singer and Marlian Music boss Naira Marley has sparked debate online after advising young people to steer clear of excessive sports betting.
Taking to his official X (formerly Twitter) page on Sunday, September 14, 2025, the street-hop star warned against relying on betting as a source of livelihood. “Football bet no be work bro. Please stop before they finish you,” he cautioned. In another tweet, he added: “You are far too smart to be the only thing standing in your way.”
Football bet no be work bro.
Please stop before they finish you— nairamarley (@officialnairam1) September 14, 2025
You are far too smart to be the only thing standing in your way.
— nairamarley (@officialnairam1) September 14, 2025
Sports betting continues to thrive in Nigeria, particularly among youths facing economic hardship and unemployment. While a few enjoy occasional wins, many have suffered heavy financial losses and addiction, fueling ongoing concerns about its impact on society.
Naira Marley’s comments came just as the new European football season gathers pace, a period when betting activities typically surge. His remarks have since drawn mixed reactions across social media, with supporters applauding his blunt honesty while others dismissed it as mere social media talk.
Away from the betting conversation, the controversial artist also made headlines recently when a fan grabbed him mid-performance during a show in Benin Republic. The incident was quickly handled by his team, but it added to the chatter surrounding the singer.