Nigerians scramble for StarTimes after Multichoice AFCON blackout

With MultiChoice’s DSTV dropping the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) coverage, Nigerians are flocking to StarTimes, a rival Asian pay-TV provider, to catch the continental footballing spectacle.

Key points to note

• MultiChoice’s DSTV has long dominated the Nigerian pay-TV market, offering premier sports channels like SuperSport.
• However, DSTV has faced criticism for high subscription fees and refusal to apply the pay-as-you-go model.
• StarTimes, an Asian provider known for its relatively more affordable packages and focus on local channels, has gradually gained traction in recent years.

After Multichoice announced it would not be airing the 2024 AFCON games, StarTimes confirmed on Friday it had secured the broadcasting rights for the tournament kicking off in Côte d’Ivoire next week.

“AFCON 2023 is on StarTimes! Watch all 52 matches live and exclusive on StarTimes Sports Channels – Sports Premium, Sports Life and Beta Sports from January 13 – February 11. We are ready,” the provider posted Friday on X, formerly Twitter.

A surge

This has triggered a surge in demand for StarTimes. StarTimes’ social media pages and physical outlets are experiencing high traffic as Nigerians scramble to subscribe.

Users responded to the company’s post on X with inquiries on the cost, availability and installation of StarTimes products.

Some said they were re-subscribing after a period of disengagement from the company.

“Oh @StarTimes Ng darling… where have you been?? Missed you!! I want to renew what I have with you again.,” one wrote.

Many users checked to know if there were agents at their locations. Others read the bigger picture of a potentially eventual disruption of MultiChoice’s monopoly.

“Time to break the monopoly. Make this count and take over the market,” said a user.

Not all rosy

• StarTimes may face logistical challenges in meeting the sudden surge in demand for subscriptions and equipment.
• The long-term impact on DSTV’s market share remains to be seen, as some subscribers may still opt for their familiar platform despite the lack of AFCON coverage.

Some users have noted StarTimes’ challenge with its technology.

“You guys need to improve on signal technology. The competition is getting stiffer,” wrote Olajide Balogun on Twitter.