By: Sade Ogunyemi / 30 January 2026
Magazine Blog : Online Dating Safety Guides : New to Online Dating : Online Dating
If you had told Nigerians ten years ago that people would now meet their partners through phones, many would have laughed. Fast forward to today, and online dating has quietly entered our daily lives. From Lagos to Owerri, Abuja to Akure, people are swiping, chatting, matching, blocking, and sometimes… falling in love.
Online dating is no longer strange in Nigeria. What is still strange, however, is how many people jump into it without understanding how it really works. Some enter with unrealistic expectations. Some forget safety. Some treat it like a miracle church programme where one miracle husband or wife will fall from heaven by next week.
This article is not here to scare you, but to guide you. Online dating can work in Nigeria, but only if you avoid some common mistakes many singles make when starting out.
Let’s talk about them.
1. Entering Online Dating with Desperation
This is one of the biggest mistakes, and it shows very quickly.
Some people join dating platforms because family members have started applying pressure. “When will you marry?” “All your mates have settled.” Others just broke up and want instant replacement. So they rush online with their emotions wide open like a roadside market.
Desperation can make you ignore red flags. Someone that normally would make you suspicious suddenly looks “manageable” because you don’t want to be alone. In Nigeria, where stories of online scams and emotional manipulation are common, desperation is dangerous.
Online dating should come from a place of curiosity and readiness, not fear of being single. When you rush, you attract the wrong people — and sometimes, wrong situations.
2. Sharing Too Much Personal Information Too Soon
Nigerians are naturally friendly people. We like gist. We like connection. Unfortunately, this friendliness sometimes works against us online.
Some people will tell a stranger their full name, home address, workplace, village, mother’s maiden name, and even next of kin — all within days of chatting. Some even send pictures of their house or office “to show seriousness.”
This is risky.
Online dating safety starts with privacy. You don’t know who is on the other side of the screen. In Nigeria, identity theft, impersonation, and romance scams are real issues. Sharing too much too soon can put you in danger — emotionally, financially, or physically.
Move slowly. Trust should be built over time, not rushed because the conversation is flowing.
3. Ignoring Online Dating Safety Because “God Is In Control”
Faith is important. Nigerians are deeply spiritual people. But faith without wisdom is trouble.
Some singles believe nothing bad can happen to them because they prayed before joining a dating site. So they ignore safety guidelines. They agree to meet strangers in isolated places. They send money because someone said they are “stuck” somewhere. They assume every profile with “God-fearing” written on it is genuine.
Online dating safety does not mean lack of faith. It means using common sense. Even the Bible says, “Be wise as serpents and gentle as doves.”
Always meet in public places. Never send money. Trust your instincts. Report suspicious behaviour. Prayer and caution can work together.
4. Lying or Over-Packaging Your Profile
Let’s be honest — Nigerians like to “package.”
Some people reduce their age by five years. Some increase their height by two inches. Some upload pictures from 2012 when they were still using Tecno Torch. Some borrow accent in chats like they just returned from London, even though they’ve never passed Ojuelegba.
The problem with lying is simple: the truth always shows up.
Online dating works best when you are honest. If someone is going to like you, let them like the real you. Pretending to be someone else only leads to awkward meetings and unnecessary embarrassment.
Also, fake profiles attract fake people. Be real, and you’ll attract people who are also real.
5. Rushing to Move Off the Dating Platform
Many Nigerian singles believe that once you move to WhatsApp or Telegram, the relationship has “progressed.” This is not always true.
Some scammers intentionally rush conversations off dating platforms because those platforms have safety monitoring, reporting systems, and moderation. Once you leave, you’re on your own.
Take your time. Chat within the platform for a while. Observe behaviour. Most genuine people will understand. Anyone pressuring you aggressively to move off the platform immediately is a red flag worth noticing.
Online dating safety often starts with patience.
6. Ignoring Red Flags Because of Sweet Talk
Nigerians love sweet words. We enjoy being called “my queen,” “my king,” “my future,” within two days of chatting. It feels good — until it becomes a problem.
Some people online move too fast emotionally. They promise marriage quickly. They talk about children and relocation before you’ve even heard their real voice properly. This kind of behaviour is often a warning sign.
Healthy relationships grow steadily. If someone is overwhelming you with affection too quickly, pause and observe. Safety is not only physical; emotional safety matters too.
7. Thinking Online Dating Is Only for Marriage or Only for Fun
Another common mistake is entering online dating with rigid expectations.
Some people believe everyone online is looking for marriage immediately. Others think nobody is serious at all. Both assumptions are wrong.
People join dating platforms for different reasons — companionship, serious relationships, learning, connection. Instead of assuming, communicate clearly. State what you’re looking for, but remain respectful of others’ choices.
Clarity reduces frustration and helps you meet compatible people.
8. Poor Communication and Unrealistic Expectations
Online dating is not Nollywood. Not every chat will turn into love. Not every match will reply. Some conversations will die naturally.
Some Nigerian singles get angry when someone doesn’t respond fast enough. They forget that people have jobs, traffic, family issues, and life.
Be patient. Be polite. Avoid entitlement. Respect boundaries.
Good communication builds trust, and trust is essential for online dating safety.
9. Meeting Too Quickly Without Proper Verification
Excitement can push people to meet too fast. While meeting is important eventually, doing it without proper verification is risky.
Video calls help. Voice calls help. Social media cross-checking helps. Taking time to know someone reduces risk.
When you do decide to meet, choose public places like cafes, malls, or restaurants. Inform a trusted friend. Share your location. These small steps can protect you greatly.
Final Thoughts
Online dating in Nigeria is neither a scam factory nor a magic solution. It is simply a tool — and like every tool, how you use it matters.
Avoiding these common mistakes can save you stress, heartbreak, and danger. Always remember that online dating safety should never be optional. Whether you’re in Lagos traffic or chilling in your hometown, your safety matters.
Be patient. Be observant. Be honest. And above all, be safe.
Love can find you online — but only if you allow wisdom to lead the way.