Betting company 1xBet recently signed a partnership agreement with a famous Nigerian comedian and content creator, Benard Emuobosa Ichide, better known as Coach B.I. We decided to get to know our new ambassador better and find out about his plans for the future.
Q: You have recently signed a partnership agreement with betting company 1xBet. Do you plan to add a touch of humor to the brand positioning? A: Yes, of course. I want to use all my talents and skills to drive the brand forward. I would like people to embrace the 1xBet platform and enjoy all its benefits. That’s why this is so important to me.
Q: What’s your take on jokes in the betting context? A: I think this is crucial because, in my opinion, betting on football is similar to football trading. I typically avoid the word “gamble” to keep things from feeling too serious. Humor helps you handle your bets, cope with losses more easily, and manage your frustration when things don’t go your way. It’s important in all aspects.
Q: Are there any topics you wouldn’t joke about? Do you have any taboo topics? A: I wouldn’t want to make jokes about race, disability, a player’s appearance, or any individual. I also avoid humor related to mental health issues or financial difficulties.
Q: How do you manage to find a balance between humor and educational content in your football comedies? A: I think all of my talents are God-given to me. My fans always appreciate that balance in my content, and I do it all without scripts or behind-the-scenes work. I try to include comedic moments that everyone will understand, whether or not the person is a football fan. This helps everyone who watches my content have fun. I grew up as a comedian but haven’t pursued it actively since I’m more passionate about content creation than stand-up comedy.
Q: Do you have any favorite jokes? A: No, I can’t pick a favorite. I’m a very happy person, I joke about life, so there are too many.
Q: Right now your topic is football. Who, in your opinion, is the funniest football player? A: Currently, I’d say Jack Grealish, and for all time, Micah Richards.
Q: Is it difficult to create comedy content? How do you find topics? A: It’s easy when it’s your thing and extremely challenging when it’s not. I can find up to 10 topics in one game or more. It doesn’t take me long, as my spontaneity in football comedy makes things easier. Sometimes, I wonder how I come up with ideas so quickly. I’d say it’s all about being creative and spontaneous.
Q: Are you preparing something for the start of football season? What is your favorite championship? A: I’m currently working on producing the largest and most detailed football podcast in Africa because my fans have eagerly anticipated it for a long time, so I give them the best. I’m known for my commitment to quality, so I never compromise. My favorite league is the English Premier League.
Q: What would you teach Nigerian footballers as a former coach? A: I think many Nigerian players overlook tactics and game analysis. They often concentrate on their primary objectives on the field but neglect secondary aspects and overall game knowledge, which are crucial. As a footballer, it’s important to provide a professional response when asked about tactics and analysis.
Q: Is betting needed for sports? A: Yes, it’s very important because it creates a lot of fun for us. Imagine watching your favorite team and earning money on their game. As a Chelsea fan, winning both the match and the bet on your team is a special feeling—it’s something I love.
Q: How would you suggest people bet more responsibly and view betting as a pastime rather than a way to make money? A: I am very famous in Africa as a sports betting fan, and I always say that it should remain a pastime and not a way of making money. I always advise people to have that feeling that will remind them to approach betting wisely. I would say that everyone should remember that the probability of losing is higher than winning. So, if you always keep this in mind, you won’t lose much, and it will help you bet responsibly.