You back a team to win. They score first. Then they concede late and draw. Normally, that's a loss. But with Bet9ja's First Goal Bonus, you still get paid.
This promotion pays out your bet as a winner if your team scores the first goal, regardless of the final score. Data from Opta shows 69% of teams that score first go on to win. But that means 31% don't. And that's exactly where this bonus saves you. New customers can claim the welcome bonus first by following our guide to using the Bet9ja promotion code YOHAIG.
What Is the First Goal Bonus?
The First Goal Bonus is a promotional enhancement on qualifying 1X2 (match result) bets. If the team you backed scores the opening goal of the match, your bet is settled as a winner at full odds, even if the team goes on to draw or lose.
In plain English:
Your team scores first → you win. Doesn't matter what happens after.
Think of it as insurance against second-half collapses. You only need your team to strike first.
How It Works
Step 1: Find Eligible Matches
Look for the First Goal Bonus badge on qualifying matches. Not all matches are included. It's usually reserved for major league fixtures.
Step 2: Place a 1X2 Bet
Back either the home team (1) or away team (2) to win. The bonus applies to pre-match 1X2 singles on eligible matches.
Step 3: Watch the First Goal
If the team you backed scores the first goal of the match, your bet is automatically settled as a winner at the original odds.
Step 4: Payout
Winnings are credited to your account based on the full odds of your original bet. No reduced payouts.
⚠️ Important:
Own goals may or may not count depending on the specific promotion terms. Always check the rules for each round.
Qualifying Bets
- ✓ Pre-match 1X2 bets: you must back Home (1) or Away (2)
- ✓ Single bets only: accumulators are typically excluded
- ✓ Eligible matches only: marked with the First Goal Bonus badge
- ✗ Draw predictions (X): backing a draw doesn't qualify
- ✗ Live bets: only pre-match placements count
- ✗ Bonus-funded bets: may be excluded depending on terms
Payout Examples
These examples show how the First Goal Bonus changes outcomes:
| Scenario | Your Bet | Final Score | Without Bonus | With First Goal Bonus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team scores first, wins | Arsenal @ 1.80 | 2-1 Arsenal | Win: ₦1,800 | Win: ₦1,800 |
| Team scores first, draws | Arsenal @ 1.80 | 1-1 Draw | Loss: ₦0 | Win: ₦1,800 |
| Team scores first, loses | Arsenal @ 1.80 | 1-2 Chelsea | Loss: ₦0 | Win: ₦1,800 |
| Opponent scores first | Arsenal @ 1.80 | 0-1 Chelsea | Loss: ₦0 | Loss: ₦0 |
The bonus is most valuable when backing underdogs at higher odds. If you get 3.50 on a team that scores first but loses, you still pocket the full return.
When to Use It
1. Backing Attack-First Teams
Some teams consistently score early but concede late. The First Goal Bonus rewards this pattern perfectly. Look for teams with high "first goal scored" percentages.
2. High-Odds Selections
The bonus magnifies value on underdogs. A 3.50 underdog that scores first gives you full payout, even if they collapse later. This changes the expected value calculation significantly.
3. Derbies and Cup Matches
High-intensity matches often see early goals followed by dramatic swings. The First Goal Bonus protects you from those swings while keeping upside.
Register with code YOHAIG to claim your ₦100,000 welcome bonus and look for First Goal Bonus matches on the platform.
Sources & References
- [1] Transfermarkt / Opta, Historical first-goal data across top European leagues, 2020 to 2025. Teams that score first win 69% of matches on average.
- [2] Bet9ja, First Goal Bonus promotion rules and terms. Official documentation on qualifying bets and settlement.
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