Uses and Gratifications of Social Football Viewing Among Viewers in Ilorin Metropolis

Abstract

The advent of technology amidst the 21^st century challenges has made social football viewing a popular phenomenon among people of various age grades in Nigeria. This is generally drawn from the eagerness, enthusiasm, correctness, and agility that those who present football programmes broadcast and run commentary of these foreign football matches increase viewers’ love and interest for the round leather game. Thus, this work is geared towards cross-examining the uses and gratification of social football viewing among viewers in Ilorin metropolis, and is hinged on the uses and Gratification theory of the media as justification. The work further adopted the qualitative design through the use of in-depth interview. Findings through responses from the field revealed that social football viewers in Ilorin metropolis love to watch football matches in group even though the viewing centres are not conducive in nature; hence the need to visit social football viewing centres. Also, the motives and gratifications derived from viewing vary; and they include: escape from loneliness, means of entertainment, for fellowship and relationship among others. However, the study concludes that football viewing centres are witnessing increase in terms of patronization and proliferation. The study recommends among others that operators of social football viewing centres in Ilorin and environs should prioritize the welfare of their customers by providing a conducive environment devoid of pollution and poor ventilation.