Heineken® is once again redefining the football fan experience as it kicks off the UEFA Champions League knockout stages in Nigeria with its exciting  campaign, ‘Cheers to the Real Hardcore Fans’ – a bold continuation of its global Fresher Football platform. This campaign is a witty and heartfelt tribute to the real MVPs of the game: the fans who live and breathe football in their own unique ways.

The campaign seeks to reclaim the term “hardcore fan” from  stereotypes, instead spotlighting the vibrant and passionate fans who support their favourite teams with heart, humour, and a lot of hustle — from the roadside viewing centres to street corner commentary sessions.

Speaking on the campaign, Maria Shadeko, Portfolio Manager, Premium Brands, Nigerian Breweries Plc, said, “Nigerians have always been among the most passionate football fans in the world. Whether it is waking up at odd hours to catch matches, decorating neighbourhood bars in club colours, or analysing every touch and pass with precision, we show up with unmatched spirit. With ‘Cheers to the Real Hardcore Fans,’ Heineken® is honouring the diversity, devotion, and humour of Nigerian fans while creating spaces for them to enjoy the UEFA Champions League in a premium, inclusive, and exciting way.”

At the heart of the campaign is a new short film by acclaimed director Mark Molloy, offering a comedic and emotional look at football devotion, featuring real fan stories and unfiltered passion. The film reminds us that being a “hardcore fan” is not about aggression or exclusion but authenticity, community, and unwavering support.

To bring this message home, Heineken® will hold exciting match-viewing experiences across key Nigerian cities during the UEFA Champions League season, offering fans unforgettable nights of football, camaraderie, refreshments and lots of exciting prizes. 

These events will feature premium viewing setups, live entertainment, interactive games, and surprise appearances — all designed to celebrate fans who bring the heat every match day.

This campaign marks a creative evolution for Heineken®, shifting the spotlight from the brand to the fans. It is a celebration of those who turn every match day into a memory — the tailors who shut shop early, the students who sneak peeks between lectures, and the neighbourhood uncles who provide expert commentary, free of charge.

To stay up to date on the UEFA Champions League Trophy Tour presented by Heineken® on socials, follow @Heinekenng and use #CheersToTheRealHardcoreFans 

In recent years, ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) has gone from niche internet trend to mainstream content category.

With millions of viewers seeking relaxation, sleep aids, or simple sensory satisfaction, ASMR pronounced as “ass-mir” offers a unique opportunity for content creators to grow a loyal and engaged YouTube audience. Whether you’re new to YouTube or looking to tap into a new niche, here’s how you can use ASMR to build and grow your channel.

ALSO READ: Meet the Nigerian who made ₦207million from Youtube’s superchat

What Is ASMR?

ASMR is the tingling sensation people experience in response to certain auditory or visual triggerslike whispering, tapping, brushing, or soft hand movements. While the science is still catching up, countless viewers report feeling calmer, more relaxed, and even sleepy after watching ASMR videos.

Why ASMR Is Great for YouTube Growth

• Highly searched content: “ASMR” is one of the most searched terms on YouTube globally.

• Evergreen appeal: People watch ASMR to sleep, study, focus, or relax, meaning your content can gain traction long after it’s posted.

• High engagement: ASMR fans are loyal and often binge content.

• Low production barrier: You don’t need flashy visuals or complex editing to start.

How to Use ASMR to Grow Your YouTube Channel

1. Pick Your Niche Within ASMR

ASMR is a broad category. Choose a niche based on your style and what your target audience might enjoy. Choosing a niche helps you stand out and build a recognisable brand. Some popular ASMR niches include:

• Whispered storytelling

• Eating sounds (mukbang ASMR)

• Skincare/makeup roleplays

• Object tapping or crinkling

• Medical check-up roleplays

• Sleep-inducing soundscapes

2. Invest in Good Audio Equipment

Sound is king in ASMR. Even if you’re on a budget, aim for a decent microphone. A binaural mic (like the Blue Yeti or 3Dio) is ideal for spatial sound, but even a lav mic or smartphone mic can work if positioned well and in a quiet space.

3. Create a Relaxing Visual Experience

ASMR isn’t just about sound. Calm visuals, gentle hand movements, and minimal distractions make your video more effective. Use soft lighting, clean backgrounds, and a calm presence on camera.

ALSO READ: Top 5 World’s richest Youtubers in 2025

4. Use SEO and Keywords Effectively

Use keywords like “ASMR for sleep,” “ASMR tapping,” or “ASMR roleplay” in your titles, tags, and descriptions. Also, use timestamps, captions, and relevant hashtags to boost visibility.

• Example: Title: ASMR for Deep Sleep | Soft Whispering & Rain Sounds

• Description: Relax and fall asleep fast with this gentle ASMR video featuring whispered affirmations and ambient rain sounds.

5. Engage With Your Community

Ask your viewers what triggers they like, or what they’d want to see next. ASMR communities are incredibly interactive and their comments and viewer suggestions can drive your next ideas. Consider doing subscriber-requested ASMR videos or “trigger test” videos to get feedback.

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6. Upload Consistently

YouTube’s algorithm favors consistent creators. Even if it’s just once a week, stay regular. A series format (e.g. “Monday Night Sleep Series”) can help you stay organised and build anticipation.

7. Experiment and Analyse

Test different styles—fast vs slow ASMR, visual triggers vs audio-only, roleplay vs no-talking videos. Then check your analytics: What keeps viewers watching? What gets the most engagement? Optimise based on performance.

8. Promote Your Channel Thoughtfully

• Use TikTok or Instagram Reels to post short ASMR clips.

• Collaborate with other ASMR creators to expand your reach.

ASMR resonates with millennials, who often seek respite from overstimulation and enjoy sensory-rich experiences. Many people find ASMR videos relaxing and stress-relieving, making them a popular choice for those looking to unwind. So as a content creator, you can use ASMR videos to gain significant traction on platforms like YouTube and Instagram.

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Menopause isn’t just a “50s thing”. In fact, many women start experiencing changes in their late 30s or early 40s without realising what’s really going on.

If you’re between 35–45, your body might already be dropping subtle (and not-so-subtle) hints that you’re entering perimenopause—the transitional phase leading up to menopause. Because menopause is so commonly associated with hot flashes, many of these early signs get brushed off or misattributed to stress, diet, or “just getting older.”

But knowing the signs can help you take charge of your body and your hormones before things spiral out of balance. Here are 5 early signs of menopause that you should not ignore:

ALSO READ: 7 foods to avoid during menopause

1. Irregular Periods

Your cycle used to be predictable but lately, it’s all over the place. You might notice longer or shorter cycles, heavier or lighter flow or skipped periods altogether. These changes happen because your ovaries aren’t ovulating as regularly, and your estrogen and progesterone levels are fluctuating.

While this may seem like a relief for some, irregular periods are one of the first and clearest signs that your hormones are shifting. What you can do: Track your cycle consistently using apps so when you study your patterns, it can help you prepare, seek medical advice, and identify any unusual changes that need attention.

2. Mood Swings & Anxiety

One moment you’re fine; the next, you’re overwhelmed, irritated, or anxious for no apparent reason. These emotional roller coasters may not just be about stress, they can be caused by hormonal dips that affect serotonin, your brain’s feel-good chemical. This can show up as increased anxiety, feeling more emotional than usual, irritability or sudden low moods.

You can try incorporating calming techniques like deep breathing, journaling, yoga, or short daily walks into your routine. You can also support serotonin levels with foods rich in tryptophan (like turkey, eggs, and nuts) and talk to a healthcare provider about natural supplements or therapies.

3. Unexplained Weight Gain

Have you gained weight? Especially around your midsection, even though your diet and exercise habits haven’t changed? It’s not just your imagination. As estrogen declines, it affects how your body stores fat and how efficiently your metabolism works. Also, insulin sensitivity can make it easier to gain and harder to lose weight.

Try switching to a balanced, anti-inflammatory diet: Think lean protein, leafy greens, healthy fats (like avocado and olive oil), and fewer processed carbs. Incorporate strength training into your workouts. Muscle helps burn fat and improves insulin sensitivity. Drink plenty of water and limit alcohol.

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ALSO READ: The connection between menopause and loss of sex drive in women

4. Worsening PMS & Breast Tenderness

Your PMS symptoms might feel like they’ve gone from mild to unbearable. This happens when your progesterone levels drop, creating an imbalance that makes your body more sensitive to estrogen dominance. Common symptoms include: severe breast tenderness, bloating, moodiness, migraines or headaches.

Try cutting down on caffeine and high-sodium foods before your period. Magnesium supplements can also help ease PMS symptoms.

5. Sleep Struggles

If you’re waking up at 2 or 3 AM for no reason and can’t fall back asleep, or maybe you toss and turn all night, it is often a result of low estrogen and progesterone, which disrupt cortisol levels (your stress hormone) and throw off your internal clock. To improve your sleep, try creating a calming bedtime routine like limiting screens, dimming the lights, and drinking herbal teas like chamomile or valerian root. Avoid sugar and alcohol before bedtime.

Your body is not broken, it’s simply evolving. The key is to support your hormones, not fight them. Eat more whole foods, especially those rich in phytoestrogens (like flaxseeds, lentils, and soy). Reduce stress with mindfulness, exercise, and proper sleep hygiene. Stay active with a mix of cardio and strength training. Consider supplements like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, magnesium, and B vitamins.

ALSO READ: 5 unbelievably amazing benefits of menopause in women