What Sport is Most Popular in Africa? The Ultimate Guide to Africa's Favorite Game
Well, if you're wondering about the most popular sport in Africa, you're in for an interesting ride. Honestly, it’s a tough question to answer because Africa is a huge and diverse continent. Each region has its own favorites, but there’s one sport that stands head and shoulders above the rest. You might already know what it is—yep, it's football (soccer)!
Football: The Undisputed King of African Sports
Football is, without a doubt, the most popular sport in Africa. I mean, when you think about it, Africa lives and breathes football. It's not just a game, it's a culture. Whether it’s on dusty pitches in rural villages or massive stadiums in major cities, football connects people across the entire continent.
Why Football Dominates Africa
You might be wondering, "What makes football so huge here?" Honestly, there are a lot of factors. First off, it’s relatively cheap to play. You don’t need fancy gear, just a ball, and you're good to go. Second, the sport is massively supported by both African governments and private entities. TV broadcasts, sponsorship deals, and international tournaments like the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) keep people glued to the screen.
And then there's the passion. Football is emotional in Africa. I remember a conversation I had with a friend from Lagos. He was telling me about the insane passion people have for the national team, Nigeria. It's like the entire city shuts down when a match is on. People gather in bars, streets, and homes, cheering their hearts out. It's a feeling you can't really explain unless you've been there.
African Football Heroes
It’s no surprise that Africa has produced some of the world’s best football players—guys like Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto'o, and of course, the legendary George Weah. These athletes not only inspire young players but also bring pride to their countries. Football heroes in Africa are often treated like gods!
Other Popular Sports in Africa
Football may be king, but let’s not forget about the other sports that are popular on the continent. The second most popular sport might surprise you—it’s basketball.
Basketball: A Growing Giant in Africa
Actually, basketball has been growing steadily in Africa over the years. The NBA (National Basketball Association) has made major inroads into the continent, with several African players making it big in the league. I had a friend who was obsessed with the NBA, and he couldn’t stop talking about the rise of African stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo (even though he’s technically Greek, his roots are Nigerian).
Africa has also produced fantastic players like Serge Ibaka (from the Republic of Congo) and Joel Embiid (from Cameroon). These athletes have made basketball a more mainstream sport. In cities like Lagos, Nairobi, and Johannesburg, it’s common to see young kids playing basketball on outdoor courts, dreaming of one day making it to the NBA.
Rugby: Popular in Some Regions
Okay, so rugby is big in certain parts of Africa, particularly in South Africa, where the sport has a rich history. The South African national team, known as the Springboks, is one of the best rugby teams in the world. They’ve won the Rugby World Cup multiple times, and the sport has a deep cultural significance in the country. A lot of South Africans view rugby as a symbol of unity, especially after the end of apartheid.
But outside of South Africa, rugby isn’t as widely followed in most African countries. Still, it has a dedicated fanbase in places like Namibia and Kenya.
Athletics: Africa’s Pride in the Global Spotlight
Another sport that deserves a mention is athletics. Honestly, it’s hard to ignore the dominance of African athletes in the world of running. Countries like Kenya and Ethiopia have produced some of the best long-distance runners the world has ever seen. I’ll never forget watching the Olympics with a group of friends when we all cheered as an Ethiopian sprinter took home a gold medal. The pride on everyone’s face was undeniable.
Why Is Africa So Good at Athletics?
The secret to Africa's success in athletics is a mix of genetics, high-altitude training, and a culture of running. For example, runners from the highlands of Kenya have been able to develop exceptional endurance, thanks to the thin air at high altitudes. In fact, many young athletes start running from a young age, whether it's to get to school or for the sheer love of the sport.
The Future of Sports in Africa
So, what does the future hold for African sports? Well, football will likely continue to dominate for a long time, but basketball and athletics are gaining momentum. I spoke with a colleague the other day who’s heavily invested in the African sports scene, and she was telling me that there’s a lot of interest in diversifying and bringing in more sports. For example, esports (competitive video gaming) is becoming incredibly popular among young Africans, and it’s something to watch for in the coming years.
Conclusion: Football Rules, But the Future is Bright for Other Sports
In conclusion, while football remains the undisputed king of sports in Africa, there’s an exciting growth of other sports too. Basketball is on the rise, rugby still has a dedicated fanbase, and athletics continues to bring global recognition to the continent. If you're a sports fan, it’s definitely a good time to be watching Africa. You never know what sport might just be the next big thing!
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The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.
Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?
How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).
How tall is a average 15 year old?
Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years
| Male Teens: 13 - 20 Years) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 14 Years | 112.0 lb. (50.8 kg) | 64.5" (163.8 cm) |
| 15 Years | 123.5 lb. (56.02 kg) | 67.0" (170.1 cm) |
| 16 Years | 134.0 lb. (60.78 kg) | 68.3" (173.4 cm) |
| 17 Years | 142.0 lb. (64.41 kg) | 69.0" (175.2 cm) |
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Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.
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Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.
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Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.