The biggest football championship in the world is back, and nothing beats watching a ball game (or any other sport, really) with friends and a cold one. If you needed yet another excuse to rally the troops, I couldn’t think of a better reason. I mean, in the actual competition, beer may be prohibited, but in Nigeria? Never.

Even though we won’t be participating in the World Cup this time around (despite the whispers), a lot of us will still be watching or at least, tuning in to see a game or two. So here’s a list of trusty bars for a great matchday atmosphere and plenty of beers.

1. Papiee’s Meatro

where: 18b Moore Road, Yaba

Apart from the large but somehow still reasonably priced platters, Pappie’s’ best feature is how wide the TVs are. It has a good-sized outdoor space, which makes it great for large groups of people. The food and drinks are also pretty affordable, so almost anyone can afford to keep the drinks flowing while watching national teams thrash each other.

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2. Sailors Lounge

where: Plot 1, block 12, admiralty road, Lekki Phase I

The usual atmosphere at Sailors Lounge is live music and good food and drinks, but when the World Cup is on? That takes precedence. The sea breeze at the bar is enough to make anyone happy, and when combined with a good cocktail and finger food, it’s bound to be a good time.

3. Skybox

where: 36 Rasheed Alaba Williams Street, Lekki Phase 1

A rooftop bar is always a great idea. Add a World Cup match with your pals to that list, and it’s game time 🍻 During football tournament season, Skybox always offers discounts such as Scratch & Win, BOGOF and other cool ways to spend less money. You’ll also be right at home with the football community here.

4. Johnny Rockets

where: 1411 Adetokunbo Ademola Street, Victoria Island

Johnny Rockets’ sports bar is a great place to watch any sports games but for the World Cup? It’s a different experience! You can’t beat watching Germany play with a hefty JR burger beside you. Imagine having a plate of nachos in front of you while secretly rooting for Mexico to defeat Argentina. I rest my case.

5. The Bar at Rufus and Bee

where: Twinwaters Lagos, Okunde Bluewater Zone, Off Remi Olowude, Corporation Road, Lekki

I have to admit, I’m a sucker for big TVs. I want to see every expression on Ronaldo’s face as he gears up to take a free kick against Ghana’s team. That’s why this is on the list. The TVs at this bar are enormous, and the drinks and arcade food are delicious.

I’m sure you've never seen a football game with cotton candy; I haven’t either, but it sounds like fun.

6. O’shey Bar

where: 29 Isaac John Street, Ikeja GRA | 31 Commercial Avenue, Sabo, Yaba

More for the Mainland people and lovers of notoriously big screens (I’m a little obsessed), O’shey Bar is a proper chill spot to catch a game. It's an Irish-style bar, which I adore because I enjoy themed spaces and the grilled chops and cocktails are out of this world. Also great that the food menu is extensive — that’s always a plus.

Laura Onwuegbunam is a digital and content marketer, who spends an unhealthy amount of time watching sports. When she’s not screaming at athletes on TV, she’s reading, working out and trying to survive the chaos that is Lagos.