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Resource–Opportunity Fit and Its Influence on Venture Performance within Nigeria’s Emerging Markets

Authors

Author: Dr. Zebulon Abule (PhD)
Affiliation: Department of Entrepreneurship, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

In Nigeria’s emerging markets, ventures struggle with volatile economic conditions, inadequate infrastructure and limited access to finance. Despite these challenges, some enterprises achieve exceptional performance by carefully aligning their resources with attractive market opportunities. This study explores how the fit between entrepreneurial resources (tangible and intangible) and opportunities influences venture performance. Using a resource–opportunity fit model grounded in the resource‑based view (RBV) and opportunity‑based entrepreneurship theory, the paper synthesizes recent literature, surveys Nigerian entrepreneurs, analyses case evidence and proposes policy recommendations. Findings reveal that intangible assets (such as knowledge, networks and employees’ competencies) significantly enhance competitive advantage and organisational image[1], while opportunity recognition competence strongly predicts firm performance[2]. The study recommends strategic asset audits, opportunity mapping and supportive policy frameworks to foster sustainable enterprise growth.

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Resource–Opportunity Fit and Its Influence on Venture Performance within Nigeria’s Emerging Markets

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Citation

Dr. Zebulon Abule (PhD). (2025). Resource–Opportunity Fit and Its Influence on Venture Performance within Nigeria’s Emerging Markets. Entrepreneurial Prosperity Research & Practice Journal Volume, 01(01), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17819188

Refferences

1. Madu, I.L., Nnaeto, J.O., & Eyikorogha, Q. (2023). Intangible resources management and sustainability of selected manufacturing organizations in Nigeria. Global Journal of Human Resource Management, 11(1), 50–65. The study found that intangible resources and employee competences significantly enhance competitive advantage and organisational image[1].
2. Alabi, O.D., Sanya, E.A.O., & Adekanmbi, A.M. (2024). The effect of personal perception and opportunity recognition on performance among Oyo State-based commercial enterprises. JABU International Journal of Social and Management Sciences, 8(1), 175–195. Regression results indicated that opportunity recognition explains 27 % of SME performance variance[2].
3. Lendigo (2024). Common challenges small businesses in Nigeria face and how to overcome them. Retrieved from Lendigo Resources Blog. The article notes that Nigeria ranks 131 of 189 countries for ease of doing business and that nearly 80 % of new SMEs fail within three years[3]. It also highlights infrastructure deficits and financial exclusion as major challenges[6][5].
4. World Bank & Nairametrics (2024). Financial inclusion statistics. As reported in Lendigo, over 40 % of Nigerian adults lack formal bank accounts[6].
5. Additional interviews and surveys conducted by the author (2025) provided case data and context-specific insights.

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