After many years of operating on the fringe, practitioners and other stakeholders in the Nigerian Esports sector have received important recognition from the Nigeria Olympic Committee, which will further brighten the fortune of the games, writes Nseobong Okon-Ekong
The good news was conveyed in a Letter dated August 24, 2023, signed by Babatunde Popoola, Secretary General of the Nigeria Olympic Committee.
At a recent meeting with journalists in Abuja while unveiling the executive committee of the Nigeria Esports Federation, its President, Yahaya Maikori, applauded the Nigeria Olympic Committee for the timely approval of its application for recognition.
He noted that with the rise in esports and the benefits accruable to Nigerian youths and the economy, the country can not wait while other countries fast-track the growth of their industry.
The new exco and management of Nigeria Esports Federation include Emmanuel Oyelakin, the immediate past chairman of the Lagos State Esports Association and vice-president in charge of Operations. Sidney Esiri ( Dr Sid of the Mo Hits record fame) is in charge of technical, Sunny Gullong head of competitions/tournaments, Andy Gabriel communications Austin Chigbolu,Susan Ozenogu is vice-president in charge of administration, Nseobong Okon-Ekong is head of media/publicity, Kemi Ariola (special adviser ) and Paul Okeugu in charge of marketing and sponsorship. Every member of the team is a recognised professional in the ecosystem.
Esports stands for electronic sports. It is organised competitive video gaming, in which teams compete in tournaments for a cash prize.
Explaining the level of engagement achieved by the Nigeria Esports Federation, Maikori revealed that they were already in talks with key partners to develop training hubs and establish world-class sports facilities for international competition. Recent breakthroughs in technology and high-speed internet have led to an increase in competitive electronic games, which has helped several youngsters choose professional career paths in Esports. He further noted that several institutions now offer scholarships and dedicated programmes to develop gaming skills as part of STEM.
Recently, The industry has witnessed exponential financial benefits with large prize pools funded by sponsors, increasing the number of gamers, viewers, event organisers, game developers, publishers, media and tech talents. The Esports market is projected to become one of the largest employers of labour, becoming a significant contributor to the Nigerian economy between the next five and 10 years.
According to Maikori, with the global efforts to make Esports part of the Olympics and the Commonwealth Games, the Nigeria Esports Federation will focus on athlete development, training and the industry’s professionalisation. He affirmed the federation’s commitment to work with key stakeholders, especially concerned government agencies and the private sector, to drive the government’s agenda of making Nigeria a net exporter of digital services through developing the Esports industry and the gaming value chain.
ESports is a multibillion-naira industry with significant growth potential. Nigeria is undoubtedly an emerging market with its vibrant youth population. From all indications, Esports is pushing beyond the fringe sport curve and will soon stand at par with popular sports.
Nigeria’s most popular Esports games include PUBG, FIFA, and Fighting Games. These games span different platforms, including PC, console, and mobile.
