Owolabi calls for support of Nigeria Esports as Riyadh Olympic Games beckons

As the world of Esports continues to explode onto the global stage, Nigeria is poised to make its mark, thanks to the trailblazing efforts of Sayo Owolabi, an advocate and strategist in the Esports ecosystem.

With the inaugural Olympic Esports Games set to hold in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia later this year, Owolabi is at the forefront of the game’s revolution in Nigeria, driving innovation, growth, and success in this rapidly evolving industry.

As a pioneering force of the Esports in Nigerian, Owolabi’s vision, expertise, and passion are set to inspire a new generation of gamers, entrepreneurs, and fans, thus cementing Nigeria’s position as a key player in the global esports ecosystem.

With his unmatched expertise and a deep understanding of the global Esports landscape as the Secretary General of the Africa Esports Development Federation (AEDF), Owolabi has emerged as a key figure envisioning a pathway for Nigeria to achieve monumental success in Riyadh.

Over the past decade, Esports in Nigeria has grown significantly, transitioning from grassroots tournaments to larger, internationally recognised events. Notwithstanding these strides, the game, faces challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, limited sponsorships, and a lack of structured talent pipelines. However, Owolabi sees the hurdles as opportunities for growth and innovation.

“Nigeria has a wealth of talent. What we need is strategic investment in infrastructure, training programs, and global partnerships to unlock our potential on the world stage,” Owolabi asserts.

Emphasizing the importance of preparation on multiple fronts, he noted that the Riyadh Olympic Esports Games represent a unique opportunity for Nigerian Esports to showcase its talent and resilience. He added that there need for a robust talent scouting initiative to identify exceptional players across various Esports titles.

“This will be aided by the understanding of the likely game titles that will feature at the Games in Riyadh,” Owolabi stated.

On partnerships and sponsorships, he said that “collaborations with corporate sponsors and technology companies for financial and logistical support will go a long way in ensuring that Nigeria’s outing in Riyadh is a great success.

“This is a non-negotiable factor especially when one considers the level of physical and digital infrastructure required for the Virtual Pillar of the Esports titles. Both endemic and non-endemic brand will come to play here as they have both business and marketing benefits,” he also said.

Speaking further, Owolabi called on the government through the Ministry of Sports to leverage on social media and local events to build excitement and support for the Nigerian contingent. “Take it or leave it, they will leave as just gamers/players but will return as “Olympians,” he enthused.

According to him, hosting pre-Olympic tournaments to test and refine team strategies will also go a long way in boosting confidence and building capacity for the individuals and teams.

Owolabi’s vision extends beyond Riyadh. He sees the Olympic Esports Games as a catalyst for long-term development in the Nigerian Esports scene.

“Our performance in Riyadh will set the tone for how the world perceives Nigerian Esports. It’s about proving that we can compete with the best and building a legacy that inspires future generations,” he explained.

He stated that for Nigeria to succeed, stakeholders across the board — government (especially at the Federal level), players, sponsors, and fans — must unite. “With the right mix of talent, preparation, and support, Nigeria has the potential to not only participate but to excel on this historic stage.”

As the clock ticks closer to the Olympic Esports Games, one thing is certain: with visionaries like Owolabi leading the charge, Nigeria’s Esports future is brighter than ever.