Ogun: Esports on Saturday made a historic debut as a demonstration sport at the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF) tagged ‘Gateway Games’ in Ogun. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the fast-growing sport, worth $180 billion globally, was on full display at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Nigeria Esports Federation, Damilola Pedro, described the feat at the NSF as a bold step towards developing the sport in Nigeria. She emphasized the potential of esports to engage the youth and contribute to the socio-economic development of the nation. “Today at the National Sports Festival Gateway Games 2024, we are not just adding another game, we are making a very bold statement. Esports is taking the stage. With it, so is the voice of an entire generation that has long been ignored, misunderstood, and underestimated,” she said.
Pedro highlighted the significant economic impact of the gaming industry, noting that it is worth
over $180 billion, larger than the film and music industries combined. She pointed out that with more than 3.3 billion players worldwide, Nigeria must begin to establish structures to compete on a global level. “In 2023 alone, eSports tournaments paid out over $350 million in prize money. Nigeria, with over 70 per cent of its population under the age of 30, is not just ripe for this moment – we are the movement. Esports is not just gaming; it is strategy, communication, leadership, and performance under pressure,” Pedro explained.
At a time when unemployment is rising, Pedro suggested that the eSports industry offers a new frontier for employment, education, and empowerment. She expressed appreciation to the leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC) for embracing innovation and supporting the inclusion of eSports in the NSF. She also appealed to the media to help set the right narrative for esports to improve public understanding and acceptance.
Earlier, President of the Nigeria Esports Federation,
Messiah Makori, stated that the debut of the sport at NSF marks the beginning of bigger achievements in the country. NAN reports that the Esports Federation was officially inaugurated by the NSC in February with the mandate to empower Nigerian youth positively through digital gaming.
With the debut of esports at the festival, the sport is now better positioned to raise more awareness, contribute to youth empowerment, and enhance global economic participation.