Sports
Measuring The Potentials of the Gaming Industry in Nigeria
Nigeria’s gaming industry is on the rise. Key factors driving this growth include significant advancements in internet access and the widespread availability of affordable smartphones.
With it, the niche within gaming that is iGaming or online gambling is also gaining popularity. A recent report by PWC revealed that the rise in Nigeria’s gaming industry is also driven by the growing young middle-class demographic, challenging the stereotype of it being limited to lower-income earners.
The economic recession has also boosted gaming as unemployed youth seek additional income. Sports betting is the most popular but slot games are also increasingly common as many play Lucky Blue or other titles on trusted online casinos.
Improved mobile penetration, increasing from 36% to ~50% in three years, and enhanced payment platforms have broadened the customer base. Business Monitor International predicts mobile subscribers will rise from 153 million to 182 million by 2021, further expanding the gaming user base. A similar thing can be said about the user base of internet service providers.
As of Q3 2023, Spectranet led the ISP market with 113,869 active customers, followed by FiberOne with 27,000. During the same quarter, new contender Starlink had 11,207 customers and its Q4 showed a 113% increase.
Popular Gaming Trends
Mobile gaming is at the heart of almost every Nigeria’s gaming community. Popular titles such as Garena Free Fire and Call of Duty Mobile have become household names. These games are not only popular for their entertainment value but also for the competitive platforms they offer.
Garena Free Fire has garnered a massive following in Nigeria thanks to its regular in-game events and accessibility. This battle royale game’s low system requirements make it accessible even on less powerful devices
Meanwhile, Call of Duty Mobile is known for its high-quality graphics and immersive experience. Its video game predecessor has attracted a significant global player base so it is a given that its mobile version is taking off well. Its various game modes offer something for every type of gamer, including the popular battle royale mode. The game’s success has also spurred local tournaments that add to the growth of the esports scene.
Although well-known studios remain the apex predators, indie game development is also on the rise. Local developers are increasingly gaining recognition for their innovative approaches and unique content. Many Nigerian developers produce games with studios like Maliyo Games launching 40 titles so far.
There is also a growing trend towards integrating local content and themes into games. This not only makes the games more relatable to Nigerian players but also introduces global audiences to Nigerian culture. Developers are exploring traditional folklore, historical events, and contemporary issues unique to Nigeria that set Nigerian games apart.
Nigeria’s burgeoning gaming market has also attracted collaborations with major brands. For instance, leading Nigerian game developer Maliyo Games became the first African developer to collaborate with Disney.
The Lagos-based studio has partnered with Disney to launch “Iwájú: Rising Chef” on Disney+. The game celebrates Nigeria’s culinary delights like Jollof Rice as players run a fun and frenzy restaurant in Lagos as a new chef.
“Through this collaboration with Disney and Kugali, Maliyo Games has captured the essence of Iwájú by bringing their own vision, talent and expertise to a unique game inspired by vibrant Nigerian culture and cuisine,” praised Disney Games’ executive director, Sonoko Ishioka.
Maliyo Games’ founder, Hugo Obi, highlighted the collaboration’s alignment with their mission to showcase African talent globally. It also marks a significant milestone for the Nigerian gaming industry. This partnership underscores the global recognition of Nigeria’s potential in the gaming sector and is expected to inspire more local developers.
Growing communities
Nigeria’s gaming market is valued at $2.14 billion and growing at 11.62% annually. The sector is poised to outpace traditional entertainment industries like movies and music as a significant economic driver.
Communities on social media and gaming forums have created spaces for gamers. The development of gaming cafes and esports arenas is enhancing the infrastructure needed for competitive gaming.
The esports scene in Nigeria is rapidly evolving and is increasing participation and viewership. Esports organizations and tournaments are gaining traction. The recent partnership between Nigeria’s Esports Federation and Moonton Games is expected to further fuel the competitive gaming landscape in Nigeria. The collaboration will pave the way for major esports tournaments in the country.
With continued support and investment, Nigeria could very well become Africa’s premier gaming hub. The potential is immense as Lagos positions itself as a central player. Governor Sanwo-Olu revealed his plans to capture 30% of Africa’s gaming market, projected to reach $4.28 billion by 2024, at the Africa Gaming Expo 2024.
This will require overcoming infrastructure and economic challenges with sustained government and private sector support. Nigeria’s average internet speeds lag behind global averages and the country’s economy’s instability could deter investors.
Yet, Nollywood’s synergy with gaming remains promising. Recent examples like the “Aki and PawPaw” game and the collaboration of Maliyo Games and Disney highlight Nigerian potential to be the frontrunner in this sector in Africa.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The deal between Arsenal Football Club and Emirates has been renewed, making it one of the longest-running and most recognisable partnerships in world sport.
Both parties first came together as partners in 2006 and have since built one of football’s defining partnerships. Spanning the entire Emirates Stadium era, the relationship has evolved alongside the club – supporting Arsenal’s ambitions, strengthening both organisations’ global reach and creating new ways for supporters around the world to connect with Arsenal.
The latest deal will see Emirates continue as the Champions’ front-of-shirt, training kit and stadium naming rights partner through to 2033.
The renewal comes at a pivotal moment in the club’s history following its recent Premier League title. The new agreement will build on many of the flagship initiatives that have defined the partnership, including the Emirates Cup, which brings world-class football to Emirates Stadium each summer, and Global Gooners, which gives supporters from around the world the opportunity to experience Arsenal in North London for the first time.
The next chapter of the partnership will begin this weekend as Arsenal welcome Borussia Dortmund to North London for the Emirates Cup, with a programme of anniversary activity celebrating more than two decades of shared history while looking ahead to the next chapter still to be written. Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, will attend alongside Arsenal senior leadership as part of the celebrations.
Launching alongside the partnership renewal is a new cinematic film featuring Arsenal legend Per Mertesacker. Set inside an antique shop filled with objects from across the Emirates era, the film celebrates two decades of shared memories between Arsenal, Emirates and our supporters, reflecting on the history we’ve made together and the moments still to come.
“Winning the Premier League is an incredibly proud moment in our club’s history and one that belongs to everyone connected with Arsenal. Emirates has been an integral part of this success – standing alongside us throughout this journey and sharing in the defining moments, challenges and successes that have shaped our club over the past two decades,” the chief executive of Arsenal, Mr Richard Garlick, stated.
On his part, the President of Emirates Airline, Sir Tim Clark, said, “Over the last two decades, Emirates and Arsenal have built something that goes far beyond a traditional partnership, and one we are immensely proud of. We have grown alongside the club through changes of era and ambition, united by a shared goal of bringing people closer to what they love.
“In practice, that has meant reaching the millions who follow Arsenal across the Emirates network and beyond and creating experiences for them that neither of us could have done alone.”
Nigeria’s Super Falcons will look to secure their place in the quarter-finals when they face Egypt in their final Group C match on Wednesday at 9:00 pm at the ongoing WAFCON 2026 in Morocco.
The defending champions bounced back from their disappointing 3-2 defeat to Malawi with a crucial 1-0 victory over Zambia and will now be aiming to finish the group stage strongly. All the matches of the tournament air live on SuperSport via DStv and GOtv.
The final matchday of Group A saw hosts Morocco play out a goalless draw with Senegal, a result that was enough to send Morocco through to the quarter-finals in first position in their group. Algeria also secured their place in the knockout stages after a 2-0 victory over Kenya, bringing their group-stage campaign to a strong close.
Tuesday, Group B will conclude with Burkina Faso facing South Africa before Tanzania takes on Ivory Coast. South Africa and Ivory Coast played out a 2-2 draw in their previous match, while Burkina Faso bounced back from their opening defeat with a 2-1 victory over Tanzania. With the group still to be decided, the final results will determine which teams join the quarter-final line-up.
All eyes will then turn to Group C on Wednesday, where Egypt will face Nigeria, and Malawi will take on Zambia, with both matches kicking off at 9:00 pm. The Super Falcons will be hoping to build on their victory over Zambia and secure the result they need to advance to the knockout stages, while Egypt will be looking to end their campaign on a positive note after suffering a 3-1 defeat to Malawi in their previous game.
Nigeria’s final group match comes after a difficult start to their title defence. The Super Falcons were stunned 3-2 by Malawi in their opening game but responded with a 1-0 victory over Zambia to revive their campaign. The ten-time champions will now need to complete the job against Egypt as they look to keep their hopes of retaining the continental crown alive.
The final group-stage fixtures on Thursday will see Ghana take on Mali, and Cape Verde face Cameroon on Thursday, with both matches also scheduled for 9:00 pm. Ghana suffered a 1-0 defeat to Cameroon in their previous outing, while Mali secured a 3-2 victory over Cape Verde. The final results will determine which teams progress to the knockout stages from Group D.
Matchday 3 Fixtures
Tuesday, August 4
Burkina Faso vs South Africa – 9:00 pm
Tanzania vs Ivory Coast – 9:00 pm
Wednesday, August 5
Egypt vs Nigeria – 9:00 pm
Malawi vs Zambia – 9:00 pm
Thursday, August 6
Cape Verde vs Cameroon – 9:00 pm
Mali vs Ghana – 9:00 pm
SuperSport Brings All the Live Action
Catch every match of WAFCON Morocco 2026 live on SS Football (Ch. 202, GOtv Ch. 61) and SS Football Plus (DStv Ch. 202) on DStv and GOtv. Fans can also stream every match live on DStv Stream from ₦6,000, with no decoder or dish required.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
At least for the next four seasons, DStv and GOtv subscribers are guaranteed access to all UEFA men’s club matches on SuperSport.
This is because CANAL+, the parent company of MultiChoice, which owns DStv and GOtv, has secured the exclusive broadcast rights to all UEFA men’s club competitions across Sub-Saharan Africa through 2031, ensuring SuperSport will continue to broadcast the UEFA Champions, Europa and Conference Leagues live to DStv and GOtv subscribers.
The four-season agreement, which begins with the 2027/28 campaign, covers more than 40 countries across the region and includes exclusive rights to the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League.
In English- and Portuguese-speaking Africa, SuperSport will continue as the exclusive broadcaster of UEFA club competitions, bringing the continent’s biggest European club matches to DStv and GOtv subscribers. The agreement also restores full UEFA Champions League coverage on CANAL+ Sport channels in French-speaking Africa, alongside the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League.
The rights deal further strengthens CANAL+’s sports portfolio, which already includes major football competitions such as the Premier League, LALIGA EA SPORTS, Ligue 1, the Betway Premiership and the ongoing TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026.
The agreement ensures football fans across Sub-Saharan Africa will continue to enjoy live coverage of Europe’s premier club competitions on SuperSport when the new rights cycle begins in 2027.
“We are very proud of this new partnership, which gives us exclusive rights to all UEFA Men’s Club competitions across more than 40 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.
“For four seasons, until 2031, our subscribers will enjoy the thrill of the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League’s biggest matches. Today, CANAL+ offers the most attractive sports line-up across Sub-Saharan Africa, and the acquisition of these rights is a perfect illustration of that.
“We would like to extend our sincere thanks to UC3 and to the teams at Relevent for once again placing their trust in CANAL+, following our recent agreements in France, Switzerland, Belgium, Poland and Austria,” the chief executive of CANAL+, Mr Maxime Saada, stated.
