How Nigeria’s Pro League Forging Path for eSports

Emerging victorious at the 7th Nigerian Pro League (NPL), powered by 10N8E, 101 Gaming’s recent triumph underscores eSports’ gradual ascent into the mainstream in Nigeria. We spoke with Adebayo Onigbanjo, the founder of 10N8E, who shared insights into this burgeoning phenomenon.

“eSports is no longer something you just see on satellite TV, where you catch glimpses of gamers competing for prizes,” Onigbanjo remarked. “It’s evolving into a vibrant culture that includes people from all backgrounds—players and spectators alike. The excitement we’ve seen at live events and the increasing participation of local talent highlights a significant shift in how gaming is perceived: it’s moving beyond mere entertainment to being recognized as a serious industry.”

Onigbanjo likened the eSports experience to supporting a football team: “When you step into the eSports arena, you form a connection with a team. Just like a fan would cheer for their favorite sports team, you’re immersing yourself in these games. Think of it like ‘Call of Duty’; instead of watching a scripted movie, you’re seeing players navigate characters in real-time.”

The NPL has made significant strides, even creating a unique trophy to symbolize its aspirations for future growth. Winning teams, like this year’s 1011 Gaming, enjoy the bragging rights that come with not only a substantial ₦800,000 prize but also a trophy they’ll hold for the year. Initially, the NPL was an independently organized tournament until it was acquired in 2022.

“NPL began as a grassroots initiative,” Onigbanjo explained. “There weren’t any major prizes or sponsorships initially; it was just friends coming together to play. When we acquired it in 2022, we recognized the potential to elevate it. Since then, we’ve hosted multiple seasons and introduced the trophy concept, which had not existed before.”

The NPL features two splits—Harmattan and Rainy—where 10 teams compete based on points, along with one fan-favorite team, culminating in an 11-team grand final. This year’s finale was intense, with all 44 players competing in person. Defending champions 1011 Gaming faced a challenging road, needing to win the sixth match to keep their title; the event marked a significant advancement as fans were welcomed into the arena for the first time.

Onigbanjo pointed out the unique infrastructure challenges within the eSports landscape: “As pioneers in this field, we’re navigating many obstacles. Strategic partnerships have helped, but a notable win for our community is the increasing acceptance from parents, who are now more supportive of their children pursuing careers in gaming.”

This year, partnership with entities like PUBG Mobile and Tencent has brought crucial infrastructure support, which Onigbanjo emphasizes as necessary to elevate the event’s professionalism: “We’re focused on addressing gaps in the infrastructure as more publishers recognize Nigeria as a developing market.”

He elaborated, “Getting parents on board has been vital—is important that they see their children are playing not just games, but potentially exploring lucrative career opportunities. When a young person tells their parents they’re going to a tournament in Lagos, it can be concerning, but it opens doors for broader conversations about careers in gaming, especially as they aspire to compete in global tournaments for substantial prizes.”

Onigbanjo believes the future is bright for eSports in Nigeria. “I firmly believe there will be a ‘Burna Boy’ of eSports. I envision eSports becoming an Olympic sport, with increasing prize pools and more brands recognizing the potential. These opportunities are just around the corner.”

He acknowledged the unpredictable nature of the industry, suggesting that a single significant event could spark widespread interest. This year has seen a rise in tournament organizers, a trend that Onigbanjo views positively as it raises awareness and participation. He draws parallels to Nollywood, which experienced growth as people began to appreciate its potential.

As more skilled players join the eSports scene, Onigbanjo sees a natural improvement in industry standards and community growth. While he refrained from making bold predictions, he highlighted Nigeria’s vast population, expanding gaming access, and increasing number of game developers as promising indicators.

Onigbanjo remains optimistic that, just like Nollywood, eSports will continue to grow in Nigeria as awareness and involvement thrive, although it may take time to reach the level of more established entertainment sectors.