Nigerian music sensation Adekunle Gold has publicly ribbed fellow artist Joeboy following a costly betting mishap that saw the “Beginning” hitmaker lose N3 million on Tuesday night’s UEFA Champions League clash between Arsenal and Real Madrid.
The high-stakes football match at Emirates Stadium resulted in an unexpected 3-0 victory for Arsenal, crushing Joeboy’s confident prediction and prompting Adekunle Gold to deliver a humorous public roasting that has entertained fans across social media platforms.
Hours before kickoff, an enthusiastic Joeboy had shared a screenshot of his betting slip on X (formerly Twitter), showcasing his N3 million wager on Real Madrid to defeat Arsenal in the quarter-final’s first leg. The bold move would have netted him an impressive N10.3 million return had the Spanish champions emerged victorious.
Cashing out on Arsenal tears tonight!” Joeboy declared confidently in his post, displaying the substantial stake that reflected his unwavering faith in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad.
However, the evening unfolded in dramatic fashion that few football pundits had anticipated. Arsenal dominated the 14-time Champions League winners from the opening whistle, with goals from Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli, and Bukayo Saka securing a commanding 3-0 advantage for the London club heading into the second leg.
As the final whistle blew, confirming Joeboy’s costly miscalculation, Adekunle Gold wasted no time in playfully rubbing salt in the wound. The “High” singer reshared Joeboy’s original post with a teasing caption: “Lmao. You don go blow stream money. Next time face your club.”
The witty comment, which suggested Joeboy had gambled away earnings from his music streaming revenue, quickly went viral among Nigerian social media users, generating thousands of likes and shares as fans joined in the banter.
The friendly mockery between the two acclaimed musicians highlights the growing intersection of Nigerian entertainment and global sports culture. Both artists have established themselves as major figures in the Afrobeats scene, with their music achieving international recognition while maintaining strong connections to their Nigerian fan base.
This betting mishap reveals how deeply European football, particularly the UEFA Champions League, has embedded itself in Nigerian popular culture. The tournament regularly draws massive viewership numbers across the country, with fans passionately supporting various European clubs and, as evidenced by Joeboy’s substantial wager, sometimes backing their allegiances with significant financial stakes.
Sports betting has seen explosive growth in Nigeria over the past decade, with betting shops becoming ubiquitous in urban centers and mobile betting applications making wagering accessible to millions of Nigerians. The industry’s rapid expansion has raised concerns among some social commentators about potential gambling addiction issues, particularly among young people drawn to the promise of quick financial gains.
For Joeboy, whose real name is Joseph Akinwale Akinfenwa, the N3 million loss represents a public stumble but likely not a devastating financial blow. Since his breakout hit “Baby” in 2019, the singer has established himself as one of Nigeria’s most successful young artists, signed to emPawa Africa, a label founded by fellow Nigerian star Mr Eazi.
Adekunle Gold, born Adekunle Kosoko, has similarly enjoyed tremendous success since transitioning from graphic design to music. Known for hit songs like “Sade,” “Pick Up,” and “AG Baby,” he has cultivated an image that blends traditional Nigerian influences with contemporary sounds. His marriage to fellow music star Simi has further cemented his position as a beloved figure in Nigerian entertainment.
The playful exchange between the two artists demonstrates the camaraderie that often exists within Nigeria’s vibrant music industry, where public banter and friendly competition frequently play out on social media platforms to fans’ delight.
Football enthusiasts and neutral observers have noted that Joeboy’s confidence in Real Madrid wasn’t entirely misplaced despite the eventual outcome. The Spanish giants, led by stars like Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham, entered the match as slight favorites given their storied Champions League history and current form in La Liga.
However, Arsenal’s performance on the night proved exceptional, with manager Mikel Arteta’s tactical approach neutralizing Real Madrid’s attacking threats while exploiting weaknesses in their defensive setup. The convincing victory has given the North London club a substantial advantage heading into the return leg at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
For Joeboy, the betting loss serves as a humbling reminder of the unpredictable nature of football at the highest level, while for fans of both musicians, the lighthearted exchange provides entertainment beyond their musical offerings.
As the viral moment continues to circulate online, it adds another chapter to the growing narrative of Nigerian celebrities engaging with global sporting events and sharing these experiences—both triumphant and disappointing—with their millions of followers.
Whether Joeboy will attempt to recoup his losses with another bet on the second leg remains to be seen, but Adekunle Gold and Nigerian social media users will undoubtedly be watching closely, ready to celebrate or commiserate with equal enthusiasm.
