Nigeria’s esports industry is currently undergoing a meteoric rise, fueled by a massive, mobile-first demographic of over 46 million players.
With a projected revenue potential exceeding $300 million, the sector is rapidly evolving from a casual pastime into a sophisticated ecosystem of professional tournaments, live streaming, and high-value brand partnerships.
At the centre of this transformation are Cade eSports and Game Evolution, two organisations collaborating to build the structural framework necessary to position Nigeria as Africa’s definitive digital entertainment hub.
The current landscape is a vibrant blend of passionate grassroots communities and burgeoning professional leagues. Central to this growth is the National E-Sports Tournament, which features a high-octane lineup of titles including EA Sports FC (EAFC), Street Fighter 6, Tekken 8, and Mortal Kombat 1.
This multi-platform approach ensures inclusivity, catering to both the high-end console market and the expansive mobile gaming community.
The League Structure and the Road to Division 1. The path to pro-status is becoming increasingly structured. Following the successful conclusion of Division 3, the spotlight now shifts to the National E-Soccer Pro League Division 2, set to commence on January 17, 2026.
This seven-week gauntlet will see 20 elite players battle for promotion, with the top eight advancing to the prestigious Division 1 Pro League starting in April. The stakes are higher than ever, with a 5 million Naira aggregate prize pool distributed between the divisions to incentivise talent and professionalise the circuit.
Beyond domestic borders, Cade eSports and Game Evolution are aggressively pursuing international exposure for Nigerian talent.
By facilitating participation in continental events like the E-AFCON in Morocco and global stages such as the Esports World Cup in Saudi Arabia, they are ensuring Nigerian gamers are recognised on the world map.
To support this vision physically, Paulson Chima, the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Cade eSports, revealed plans for a dedicated Esports Hub in Yaba, Lagos.
Scheduled for completion by next year, this facility will serve as a sanctuary for training, competition, and game development. In the interim, tournaments are being hosted across various event centers and gaming hubs, supported by the Lagos State Government and the Nigerian Esports Federation.
During a recent press conference, Chima Chima Paulson, CEO and Founder of Cade eSports, and Adenipebi Sholakunmi, CEO and Founder of Game Evolution, both outlined their shared vision for positioning Cade eSports as the largest gaming and eSports provider in Africa.
The event brought together industry stakeholders, media representatives, and gaming enthusiasts to witness a renewed commitment to transforming Africa into a globally competitive force in gaming and eSports.
Since the inception of their partnership in 2023, Cade eSports and Game Evolution have collaborated on a mission to expand access to gaming and competitive eSports across the continent. Together, they have successfully hosted over 50 eSports tournaments, including CAGE (Cade African Gaming Expo), widely recognised as the largest eSports tournament in Africa since 2024.
Paulson emphasised the importance of accessibility in the growth of the industry. According to him, the partnership is focused on exposing a broader audience to gaming and eSports by providing access to gaming consoles, PCs, and mobile devices, thereby breaking entry barriers for young and aspiring gamers.
Sholakunmi reiterated Game Evolution’s commitment to changing public perception around gaming and eSports.
He noted that the partnership aims to make eSports more acceptable within communities by showcasing its educational, economic, and social value, as well as its potential to create new career pathways for African youth.
The partnership between Cade eSports and Game Evolution represents a deliberate effort to build a sustainable eSports ecosystem in Africa, one that promotes talent development, community engagement, and industry growth at both grassroots and elite levels.
As both organisations continue to expand their footprint, they remain committed to redefining Africa’s role in the global gaming and eSports landscape.
