Sports
Changing the Game: How Gaming Empowers Today’s Youth
…As E-Sports Debuts at Gateway Games
By Joel Ajayi
As part of ongoing efforts to create sustainable job opportunities for millions of talented Nigerian youths, the E-Sports Federation has declared that gaming is now a tool for empowerment—not a crime, as it was once widely perceived.
This message was delivered by the Chief Operating Officer of the E-Sports Federation on Saturday in Abeokuta, Ogun State, during the official debut of eSports at Nigeria’s Olympics-style event, the National Sports Festival.
“This demonstration is more than just a showcase—it is a validation,” he said. “A validation that a game controller can be a tool for excellence. That gaming is not just a phase, but a profession. That the next generation of Nigerian exports will include not only footballers but also gamers, developers, and digital entrepreneurs.”
She described eSports as a dynamic, multi-dimensional discipline requiring data analysis, strategic thinking, communication, leadership, and the ability to perform under pressure. At its core, he emphasized, eSports is a form of digital literacy—exactly the kind of skill set demanded by the 21st-century economy.
“Esports is taking the stage—and with it, the voice of an entire generation that has long been ignored, misunderstood, and underestimated,” he said.
“We are here today to celebrate young people who have dedicated themselves to a rapidly evolving and globally growing industry: eSports and the broader video game ecosystem.
“We are showcasing a largely misunderstood group of young talents who have empowered themselves through gaming—staying away from crime and earning income by doing what they love.
“Today, we affirm that gaming is not a crime. Gaming is a profession. Gaming is a pathway to economic empowerment. And eSports is indeed a legitimate part of the sports sector. This is what the National Sports Commission has acknowledged by including us in the Festival.”
Addressing common misconceptions, he clarified the distinction between eSports and gambling.
“The video game industry is fundamentally different from gambling,” he said. “While there may be a gambling element in some areas, eSports is about talent, strategy, and fair play—not chance.
“Today, gaming represents empowerment. Years ago, football was misunderstood. Today, it’s a global profession. In the same way, we are witnessing the rise of a new sport that is gaining serious ground.
“It’s important to recognize that this is not the gambling industry—it is the video game industry.
“Today, we are staging a demonstration. But by Enugu 2026, eSports will be on the medal table—and that is our goal.”
Sports
From Streets to Stardom: Unique Futbol Academy Scouting Program Inspires Ibadan’s Young Footballers
Ibadan is buzzing with excitement as the Unique Football Academy Scouting Program kicks off, bringing together top European football clubs and talented young Nigerian players.
The four-day program, which commenced on Monday, features a delegation of four directors from prominent European teams, including two from Kosovo and one from India, led by renowned football agent Diego Martins from Portugal.
The scouting program aims to identify and select outstanding players who will be given opportunities to showcase their skills in Europe.
Successful players will be offered the chance to take their careers to the next level, with the organizers assuring them of opportunities abroad.
According to the Director of the program and founder of Unique Football Academy, Mr. Jelil Oladimeji, this is not the first time the academy has organized such an event.
“This is the 4th edition, and we are proud of the progress and impact we have made so far in terms of exposing our raw talent to the European market,” he said.
The program has already proven successful, with several players from previous editions going on to excel in European leagues. Some notable examples include Haruna Saleh with PAOK in Greece and Praisegod Emersons in Slovakia.
As the program continues, clubs are gearing up to exhibit their talents, and the future looks bright for Nigeria’s young football stars.
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