Nollywood actress Destiny Etiko has revealed that she lost ₦5 million after placing her first-ever football bet, describing the experience as both financially painful and emotionally exhausting.
The actress shared the revelation on her Instagram page just after the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final where Spain beat defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time to lift the trophy.
Etiko said the heavy loss had made her decide to stay away from sports betting permanently, expressing her disappointment. She admitted that the emotional stress she felt while waiting for the outcome of the match was overwhelming and not worth the risk.
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The actress says she was so anxious during the bet that it almost affected her health, and she decided that she would never bet again.
“First time betting and lost. Never will try again. My 5M gone. Actually I’m done watching football. Anxiety nearly killed me,” she wrote.
Her post soon attracted reactions from fans and followers, with many sympathising over the loss while others advised her to stay away from gambling altogether. Some social media users also took the opportunity to warn others of the risks of betting, saying that large financial losses can be incurred regardless of how confident you may be about the outcome of a prediction.
Etiko’s revelation followed the dramatic 2026 FIFA World Cup final played at the New York New Jersey Stadium in 2026. Spain beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time in a hard-fought final to become world champions
Substitute Ferran Torres scored the winner in the 106th minute, giving Spain its second FIFA World Cup title and ending Argentina’s reign as defending champions.
The actress did not disclose which team she backed but made it clear that the outcome of the match cost her ₦5 million and has completely changed her attitude towards sports betting. “It was enough to keep me from gambling and I’m done watching football,” she said with a laugh after the painful loss.
