Conceptual Metaphors in Football Writings: A Study of Daily Trust Newspaper's Sport Sections

Abstract

This study examines the conceptual metaphors employed in football writings within the sport sections of the Daily Trust Newspaper, a prominent Nigerian publication. Drawing on Lakoff and Johnson's (1980) Conceptual Metaphor Theory, the research employs qualitative content analysis to identify, categorize, and interpret the metaphorical expressions that shape football discourse in Nigerian sports journalism. Through systematic analysis of football related articles published between April and November 2026, the study reveals a rich repertoire of conceptual metaphors that frame football as warfare, religion, commerce, and familial relationships. These metaphors serve not merely as linguistic embellishments but as cognitive tools that structure readers' understanding of football events, players, and narratives. The findings demonstrate how cultural and contextual factors influence metaphor selection and usage, revealing the intersection of global football discourse with Nigerian cultural sensibilities. This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on media discourse analysis, cognitive linguistics, and sports communication, while offering practical implications for sports journalists and media practitioners seeking to enhance reader engagement through strategic metaphorical framing.