E-Sports Makes Historic Debut At National Sports Festival

Damilola Pedro, Chief Operating Officer of the Nigeria esports Federation, has stated that E-Sports has the potential to drive the growth of the sports economy in the country.

This statement follows eSports’ historic debut at the 22nd National Sports Festival, branded the Gateway Games.

In a statement issued by Kola Daniel, Special Assistant to the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Pedro emphasised that eSports was not present at the Gateway Games merely to fill spaces but to add substantial value to the event.

“Today, at the National Sports Festival Gateway Games 2024, we are not simply introducing another game; we are making a bold statement,” Pedro remarked.

“E-sports is taking centre stage. With it comes the voice of an entire generation that has long been ignored, misunderstood, and underestimated.”

Pedro underscored the significance of the eSports industry by stating, “The numbers do not lie. The video game industry is valued at over $180 billion, surpassing both the film and music industries combined.”
She added, “Globally, over 3.3 billion people play video games, with Africa projected to have the fastest-growing gaming population. Nigeria is at the forefront of this conversation and is expected to hold the largest concentration of gamers in Africa by 2027, marking the third-largest projection globally.”

“In 2023 alone, eSports tournaments awarded over $350 million. With more than 70% of Nigeria’s population being youth, we are not just ready for this moment; we are the movement. E-sports is a discipline, data-driven, tactical, and emblematic of communication, leadership, and performance under pressure.”

She outlined the potential of the eSports industry to combat rising unemployment and harness youth talent—an industry capable of providing employment, education, and empowerment without relying on oil.