The Nigeria eSports Federation says it has been awarded the hosting rights for the 42 African nations scheduled for March.

Agbor Ayuk, the chairman of the Nigeria eSports Federation, disclosed this in an interview with journalists on Monday in Calabar.

He said it is the first-ever qualifier for the 2024 eSports World Cup, billed to take place in China.

Ayuk said the federation had an understanding with the Federal Ministry of Sports Development and the Nigeria Universities Games Association (NUGA) and was also a member of the Confederation of Africa eSports.

The chairman said people played eSports for leisure in the past, but at present, people play while they make money.

“We have three billion gamers all over the world, so Nigeria should not be left out. That is why we are pushing to create more enlightenment on eSports in the country.

“Out of the 36 states of the federation and Federal Capital Territory (FCT), 25 states, including Cross River, already have their associations affiliated with the Nigeria eSports Federation,” he said.

He said the federation was trying to overcome some of its challenges, including parents not understanding what their kids are doing and fighting them.

Ayuk said there was no child engaging in eSports who was not doing well in school because of the high intellectual capacity required for the game.

He said there was also a data problem in Nigeria, although he was grateful that one of the telecommunication giants in the nation had introduced the 5G network.

The chairman said gaming would soon be very popular in Nigeria because it can bring out the best in people.

Ayuk said that unlike traditional sports, training and certification for different eSports could be achieved from the comfort of a person’s home.

He said one can also play with or against anyone in different parts of the world. 

(NAN)