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With the 2022 World Cup creeping ever closer, we’ve now reached the stage where we know which teams will be appearing. The qualifying rounds can often be tough and can be equally cruel. That has certainly been the case where Nigeria is concerned. Those tuning in to watch live soccer during these matches perhaps wouldn’t know where to place their money. While a bet on a Super Eagles’ victory would be the loyal thing to do, would it be the most sensible?

The reality is that no one really expected Nigeria to shine against Ghana. The smart money would have gone on the latter team. However, Nigeria clearly wasn’t following the betting odds as the team had ideas of its own.

The first leg

The first leg of this qualifier saw Nigeria playing away. With Ghana having the home advantage, few were holding out any hope for the away team. Playing in Ghana can be an intimidating experience and the Ghanian team, and fans, expect nothing other than victory in their stadium. Nigeria, it seemed, had other ideas.

What we saw from the Nigerian team was 90 minutes of discipline. There were no star moments and no individual heroics. Instead, what Nigeria did was display itself as a solid team. A team that knew they were up against but refused to give in. The result? A well deserved 0-0 draw and the pressure moving on to the second leg.

The Thomas Partey effect

When you look back at the first leg, you really have to wonder how Nigeria managed to hold Partey at bay. This superstar is well-known for his ability to tear down defences and outrun almost anyone on the pitch. He is seen as one of the best midfielders of recent times.

Nigeria was without its own star turn, Wilfred Ndidi who was missing due to a knee injury. The fact that they still contained Partey and still walked away with the draw is more than just a little impressive.

How Partey destroyed Nigerian dreams

The second leg saw Nigeria playing at home and full of hope after the first leg ended in a draw. The problem this time around was that Partey could no longer be contained. Giving Ghana an early lead, Partey proved why he’s worthy of the reputation that he holds.

Nigeria certainly didn’t sit back though. A Troost-Ekong penalty saw the team level pegging. After this, Nigeria dominated the game with a further 9 chances. The problem was that only one of these really troubled Ghana’s keeper.

The away goal rule

Two hard-earned draws but still the Nigerian dream was over. The controversial away goal rule brought an abrupt end to Nigeria’s World Cup hopes and sent Ghana through to play in the finals. This is a tough way to be knocked out especially when Nigeria certainly played better football.
It is now never to Ghana to prove that they deserve their place and to see if they can restore pride to the African nations.

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As we move closer and closer to multiple branches of entertainment intertwining and becoming one, it is not difficult to understand that major stars and recognizable personas from one sphere of influence make a transition to another. From athletes and actors to singers and TV personalities, everyone is present in each other’s domains these days. And with the widespread use of the internet and the popularity of podcasts, anyone can become both a host and a guest. Sharing stories, having a good time, and promoting quality products have become the norm.

All of this, and much more, took place when one of the biggest names in the history of music, Canadian rapper and singer Drake, started getting into online content streaming of his casino gambling sessions. Together with the leading cryptocurrency online casino and sportsbook hybrid Stake and its sister company, the online streaming platform Kick, he has done something unprecedented across all three industries. Gambling, streaming, and music came together and offered the fans a ton of fun, prizes, incentives, and most of all, a good time.
Drake, Stake, and Kick: How the Deal Started
Drake’s road with Stake began before any formal endorsement. The casino’s own site describes him first as “a long time member of the Stake community,” a high ranking VIP user whose love for the platform and its perks reportedly prompted stakeholders to propose a formal partnership. Basically, the rapper went from being a high roller customer to a sponsored StakeAmbassador who promotes the casino and shares his experiences with the fans. What makes him unique is the fact that he started as a fan, meaning he did not just get money to promote a brand. What began as rumors and viral posts of roulette spins and big bets quickly transformed into a business arrangement.
By late 2021, as crypto gambling was surging, Drake reportedly signed a deal with Stake worth approximately US$100 million per year. That figure, widely cited in media reports, makes his endorsement among the most lucrative in gambling sponsorship history. Under the deal, Drake was expected to not only promote Stake via social media but also broadcast live gambling sessions and appear in “Stake on Drake” events, effectively blending high stakes betting with entertainment and celebrity glamor. For the gambling platform, acquiring a global superstar like him meant instant attention from an audience that might have never considered crypto casinos before. One post or stream from him would reach millions. And it did, more than once.
Launch of Kick and the Shift to Streaming
The synergy between Drake and Stake deepened when the streaming platform Kick was launched. Kick is operated by the same founders behind Stake, Ed Craven and Bijan Tehrani, and serves as the more lax and inclusive variant of Twitch, and its biggest competitor. The service emerged in late 2022 as a direct response to a crackdown on gambling streams by mainstream platforms. It immediately gained traction because it offered what others were no longer supporting.
Kick was designed to be more permissive by offering looser moderation and a more generous revenue share for streamers than competitors. As gambling content moved off platforms like Twitch and YouTube, Kick.com became a vital hub for Stake’s marketing and livestream ecosystem. Drake joined this shift and, since then, has remained a mainstay on the platform. Alongside established gambling streamers, he began hosting high profile sessions on Kick, often institutionalizing what had previously been isolated gambling content into mainstream entertainment.
Milestones and Notable Streams
From viral wins and special guests to album and news drops, Drake has revolutionized what online streaming of content can be. The collaboration generated several memorable moments that blended mainstream pop culture and high stakes betting. In early 2025, for instance, Drake appeared on a Kick livestream with the big time streamer and internet personality Adin Ross when he casually announced a new solo album while placing bets, a moment that exemplified how intertwined the gambling streaming and music worlds had become, and what it can still be.
Stake’s promotional machinery amplified these events further with streams featuring “Drake vs Stake & Adin,” often including major giveaways, bonus races, and special interactive promotions that allowed the fans of the rapper a chance to “win big alongside” him. In July 2025, one such promotional video shared by Drake racked up over 41 million views on Instagram, showing how potent the celebrity casino fusion remained, even years after the deal’s start.
From the platform’s point of view, this publicity translated into intense growth. According to at least one retrospective, the first stream under this collaboration reportedly drew 250,000 concurrent viewers. By 2024, that number had grown to 440,000, and it is close to half a million by the end of 2025. What started as a gamble had morphed into a major entertainment draw. Every time Drake is on, all eyes are on Kick and Stake. Behind the scenes, Stake’s growth skyrocketed. By 2025, the platform reportedly processed billions in deposits, bolstered not just by high roller bets but by mass interest driven by celebrity streams and marketing.
The Records Set by Drake’s Gambling and Streams
As part of the deal, Drake did not shy away from high stakes bets. Media reports indicate that over the course of 2025, he reportedly wagered close to US$125 million in a single month, suffering an $8 million loss, which he casually shared, seemingly undeterred by it.
His involvement is sometimes referred to as the “Drake Curse,” a name born out of repeated losses and high profile bets gone wrong, ironically adding to the spectacle and allure for viewers who saw it as part of the drama. However, he did win plenty of times, and despite wagering thousands and tens of thousands per spin (he can afford it), he frequently leaves the session with more than he came in.
Beyond gambling stakes, the partnership itself was among the largest celebrity sponsorship deals ever struck in the crypto gambling world. The reported $100M/year deal was unrivaled, and while it seemed like a huge gamble, it paid off nicely for Stake in terms of brand awareness, user acquisition, and cultural penetration.
The Cultural and Industry Impact and Shift
On one level, the Drake-Stake-Kick deal represents a new template that blends celebrity culture, gambling, gaming, and livestream entertainment in a way that reaches millions. For fans of his music, it was a spectacle of outrageous bets, glamorous lifestyle, and flashes of wealth all packaged like a music video, but in real time. For gambling and crypto enthusiasts, it was a marketing masterstroke where global visibility, social media buzz, and a flood of new users took place.
Not everything was smooth sailing, though, as it never is. There were certain legal challenges along the way, but none of that could stand in the way of what has been achieved by the three sided deal. The entire venture illustrates how a gambling company can utilize celebrity influence. When a superstar like Drake gambles millions, whether he wins or loses, it becomes a cultural event. That cements the notion of gambling as glamorous, normal, even aspirational. If a rich person can risk his millions, it means that anyone else can risk a few bucks here and there and experience the same amount of fun.
For a company like Stake, the leading cryptocurrency platform on the web, that is the point. Fans should come, play with however much they can or want to risk, and enjoy the same type of entertainment as the high rollers. For the streaming world, the rise of Kick signals a shift. Kick’s creation was not just about launching a Twitch competitor. It was about owning the full funnel from casino to streaming to celebrity to new users. As mainstream platforms cracked down on gambling content, Stake and its founders found a workaround, and it was a success.
Drake FAQs, Facts, and Trivia
What is the full name and origin of Drake?
Drake was born Aubrey Drake Graham on October 24, 1986, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
How did he first become known to the public?
Before music, Drake acted and gained early fame as an actor on the teen drama series “Degrassi: The Next Generation,” where he played Jimmy Brooks.
What was his breakthrough in music?
His 2009 mixtape “So Far Gone” marked his breakout, with hit singles like “Best I Ever Had” and “Successful.” That release quickly raised his profile and led to a bidding war between record labels.
Extensive is his commercial success through sales and chart records
Drake is one of the world’s best selling music artists, having sold well over 170 million units globally. He holds joint records for the most number one albums on the US Billboard 200 chart among male soloists and most number one singles on the Billboard Hot 100 for a male solo artist. He also has the most charted songs, most top 10 singles, and most top 40 singles in Hot 100 history.
Awards he has won and recognition he has received
Drake’s accolades include 5 Grammy Awards, 6 American Music Awards, 41 Billboard Music Awards, 2 Brit Awards, and 3 Juno Awards. He was named Artist of the Decade (2010s) by Billboard and is regarded among the greatest pop stars of the 21st century.
Does he do business beyond music?
Yes. Drake co founded the record label and collective OVO Sound in 2012. He also runs a clothing and fashion brand under the name October’s Very Own (OVO) and has pursued ventures beyond music through brand deals (Nike) and major sponsorships (Stake, Kick).
What is the estimated size of his wealth, and how does he earn it?
As of 2025, his net worth is commonly estimated in the range of 250 million to 300 million US dollars. His wealth stems from music sales and streaming, extensive touring, business ventures (including OVO and fashion), record label earnings, and additional investments.
Drake’s family and upbringing
Drake’s parents, his mother Sandi Sher and his father Dennis Graham, divorced when he was young. He grew up primarily with his mother, while visiting his father seasonally. His father’s background in music influenced Drake’s artistic (both acting and music) interests early on in life.
Has he been involved in acting or other creative fields besides music?
Yes. Before focusing full time on music, Drake acted. He later expanded into production, founding a media and production company called DreamCrew, through which he branched into entertainment and content creation.
Music style that mixes genres and evolves
Drake is known for blending rap, hip hop, R&B, and pop, often combining singing and rapping with emotional and introspective themes. His versatility and willingness to experiment have helped him adapt to shifting musical trends. Fans have grown accustomed to expecting new and different and still being surprised.
How has he impacted digital music and streaming culture?
Drake has reshaped modern music success by dominating the streaming era. His albums and singles frequently top global streaming charts on Spotify and other platforms, and he remains one of the most streamed artists worldwide.
A public persona beyond music, brand, fashion, and lifestyle
Through OVO and its fashion line, Drake has influenced streetwear and broader pop culture. His business ventures and public branding reinforce his image as both an artist and an entrepreneur. As he is older, he is more and more invested in various enterprises and ventures.
What challenges or criticisms has he faced in his career or personal life?
His upbringing with divorced parents and time split between households shaped his identity and appears frequently in his music. As one of the world’s most visible artists, he has also faced controversies and public scrutiny, though his commercial success often overshadows many criticisms.
What keeps him creatively relevant even after years in the industry?
Drake’s ability to evolve by experimenting with new styles, blending genres, working with diverse collaborators, and maintaining a steady stream of releases helps him stay consistently relevant across different branches of the broader entertainment industry.
He is regarded as more than just a rapper or pop star, a cultural figure
He merges music, entrepreneurship, fashion, and media ventures. His progression from actor to global superstar to business mogul has made him an influential figure across multiple cultural spheres.

When we mention Ghanaian football, legendary names like Asamoah Gyan, Michael Essien, and Abedi Pele readily come to mind.

Of course, these legends have inarguably etched their names in the sands of Ghanaian football, and going by predictions on kickwill be among the finest ever seen in Ghana.

Admittedly, the bulk of these legends was born and bred in Ghana, spending a substantial part of their careers playing locally in Ghana.

But there is an emerging breed of exciting footballers who, though they may never have played in the local Ghanaian football leagues, are of Ghanaian descent and already making waves in Europe.

This article explores some of the hottest players in Europe who had Ghanaian parent(s).

1. Eddie Nketiah

Eddie Nketiah was born and raised in the UK, but he has strong ties to Ghana through his parents.

He progressed through Chelsea and Arsenal academies, played on loan at Leeds, but currently plies his trade with the Gunners. Eddie is one of the many dual nationality Ghanaian players yet to commit to their future.

Impressively, he’s notched a total of 10 goals in 71 Arsenal appearances. He scored two braces against Chelsea towards the end of last season and another two goals in Arsenal’s final game.
Having played for England at various youth levels, Eddie still awaits his first call-up to the senior squad. Although he can still represent Ghana, the Ghanaian Football Association hasn’t found a way to convince him to play for the team.

For Eddie to represent England, he has stiff competition from some of the most established attacking talents in world football.

Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, and Phil Foden are only a few attacking options at Gareth Southgate’s disposal.

Therefore, there’s a high chance Eddie might consider the Black stars in the future to save his international career.

2. Callum Hudson-Odoi

When Callum made his debut for Chelsea in 2019, he was one of the hottest prospects in world football.

Agreed, Callum boasts enormous promise, which has seen him go on loan at Bayern Leverkusen to aid his development.

Callum has represented the English Senior Team three times but is still eligible to play for the Ghanaian National team because he made all his appearances before turning 21.

He played in the England youth levels and won the FIFA U-17 world cup in 2017, appearing in all seven games.

He got his first senior call-up in 2019 ahead of the UEFA Euro 2020 Qualifiers against the Czech Republic and Montego.

The 22-year-old became the youngest player to play for the England National team when he debuted against the Czech Republic.

Hudson Odoi reportedly turned down Ghana’s offer to play at the world cup. It’s looking unlikely we might see him in a Ghanaian shirt. However, he’s still eligible to play, and who knows, we might soon see him in the Black Star squad.

3. Jeremie Frimpong

Jeremie Frimpong is still eligible for the Black Stars despite being in the Netherlands squad that got knocked out of the World Cup by Argentina.

The reason is that he was an unused sub in all Netherlands’ games at the Mundial. Frimpong is a man of three nationalities, Ghanaian, English, and Dutch.

He played for the Manchester City academy before signing for Celtic in 2019. Bayern Leverkusen secured his signature for around 11 million Pounds in 2021, and he’s been fantastic for them.

He’s scored six goals and provided nine assists from the right-back position in over 50 appearances for the German side.
Frimpong has played for the Netherlands U19, U20, and U21 teams.

He voiced that his future is with the Dutch, but he’s still legal to play for the Ghanaian national team. Frimpong doesn’t understand Dutch but can converse in essential football and match phrases.

4. Brian Brobbey

Brian Brobbey was born in Amsterdam to Ghanaian parents. He’s a strong forward with an eye for goal and has been outstanding for the Dutch youth teams. Brian has netted more than 30 goals in 49 appearances for Netherlands junior teams.

He developed at the AFC youth academy before signing for Eredivise superpower, Ajax. At Ajax, he made his debut and scored in a 5-2 win over Fortuna Sittard in 2020.

Coach Erik Ten Hag gave him his UEFA Champion League debut shortly after, and he had an impressive performance.

He had a stint at RB Leipzig before re-signing for Ajax in July 2022. Brian won the Eredivise in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons and the KNVB cup in 2020-21.

Brian is eligible to play for the Ghanian National team as he hasn’t played for the Netherlands. Not much is known concerning contact between his camp and the Ghanaian Football Association.

5. Jesurun Rak-Sakyi

England has many young stars of Ghanaian descent. These players will likely choose the Three Lions over the Black Stars due to the quality of both teams. However, Ghana has a promising squad and can win most of these players when they’re still young.

One of those players that should be on Ghana’s radar is Jesurun Rak-Sakyi. The youngster progressed through Chelsea’s youth system and has played for England’s U-20.

He plays at Charlton Athletic, on loan from Patrick Vierra’s Crystal Palace.
The forward hasn’t been invited to England’s Senior National team yet, but there are talks that he could switch allegiance to Ghana.

If he should, he would join Inaki Williams and Tariq Lamptey as one of the latest dual nationality entries into the Black Stars Team.