‘Will Never Try It Again’ – Destiny Etiko Opens Up on N5 Million Betting Loss
Nollywood actress Destiny Etiko has opened up about her first football bet which she lost ₦5 million, saying that she was financially drained and emotionally exhausted.
The revelation was shared by the actress 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 expressed her disappointment saying the heavy loss had made her decide to stay away from sports betting permanently. She admitted the emotional stress of waiting for the outcome of the match was overwhelming and not worth the risk.
The anxiety she experienced during the bet was so great, the actress says, that it almost affected her health, and she decided that she would never bet again.
First time betting and lost. Will never try again. My 5M gone. Actually I’m done watching football. “Anxiety almost killed me,” she wrote.
Read Also: Africa Energy Week 2026 to Highlight Natural Gas Role in AI Data Centre Expansion
Her post soon drew reactions from fans and followers with many sympathising over the loss while others advised her to keep away from gambling altogether. Some social media users also used the opportunity to warn others of the risks of betting, saying that large financial losses can be incurred no matter how confident you may be about the outcome of a prediction.
The revelation from Etiko came after the dramatic 2026 FIFA World Cup final played at the New York New Jersey Stadium in 2026. In a closely fought match, Spain edged out Argentina 1-0 after extra time to become world champions.
Substitute Ferran Torres scored the winner in the 106th minute to give Spain their second FIFA World Cup title and end Argentina’s reign as defending champions.
The actress did not reveal who she supported but she made it clear that the result of the match cost her ₦5 million and has changed her attitude towards sports betting completely. She said the experience was enough to deter her from gambling again and even joked that she was “done watching football” after the painful loss.
