By Aderonke Ojo
Nigeria has officially launched a bid to host the 2028 Esports Nations Cup (ENC), in a move aimed at positioning the country as Africa’s leading esports and digital innovation hub.
The bid, endorsed by the Esports Federation of Nigeria (EFN), is for one of the world’s most prestigious international esports tournaments.
With over 3.3 billion gamers globally and esports audiences now rivaling traditional sports in popularity and engagement, competitive gaming has emerged as a major cultural, technological and economic force worldwide.
Nigeria, with its youthful population, expanding digital economy and growing creative sector, is seeking to play a central role in that global transformation.
The bid is being led by EFN President, Yahaya Maikori, with strategic coordination by the Chairman of the Bid Committee, Ikechukwu Okoye, and communications oversight by the federation’s Director of Communications and Media, Ifeanyi Elumeziem.
Speaking on the initiative, Maikori said the bid extends beyond sports and gaming.
“This is about jobs, youth empowerment, tourism, technology, and placing Nigeria firmly on the global digital map,” he said.
Okoye said Nigeria was prepared to host a world-class tournament capable of setting a new standard for esports events in Africa.
“Nigeria is not just participating in the global esports ecosystem; we are ready to host it.
“This bid reflects our confidence in our people, our infrastructure potential, and the immense talent of our youth. We intend to deliver a world-class experience that sets a new standard for Africa,” he said.
According to EFN projections, hosting the four-week tournament could deliver major economic benefits to the country.
The federation said the event was expected to attract thousands of international visitors, including players, coaches, investors, media teams, influencers and fans, thereby boosting tourism, hospitality, aviation, retail and entertainment sectors.
The ENC is also projected to create thousands of jobs in event production, broadcasting, digital media, security, logistics, marketing and technology operations.
For Nigeria’s growing youth population, the federation said the tournament would provide opportunities in one of the world’s fastest-growing industries.
Elumeziem described the bid as an opportunity to reshape global perceptions about Nigeria and Africa’s role in digital innovation.
“This is a storytelling moment for Nigeria.
“We are showing the world that Africa is not on the sidelines of digital culture; we are active builders, creators and hosts of global innovation,” he said.
The federation noted that the bid aligned with Nigeria’s broader national development priorities, including digital transformation, youth empowerment, expansion of the creative economy and international technology partnerships.
It added that over the years, EFN had worked to transform esports in Nigeria from an informal subculture into a structured and globally competitive industry.
The Esports Nations Cup, organised by the Esports World Cup Foundation, is a nation-versus-nation tournament designed to promote national pride through competitive gaming.
Its inaugural edition will hold in Riyadh in 2026, with more than 2,000 players from over 100 countries expected to compete across 16 major game titles.
The tournament is expected to begin international rotation from 2028, opening the possibility for Nigeria to become the first African country to host the event.
