Cade eSports and Game Evolution have reaffirmed their long-standing strategic partnership, unveiling ambitious plans to position Cade eSports as the largest gaming and eSports provider in Africa.
The reaffirmation took place at a press conference held on Wednesday (yesterday) at The Zone, Gbagada, Lagos, where industry stakeholders, media representatives and gaming enthusiasts gathered to witness a renewed commitment to transforming Africa into a globally competitive force in gaming and eSports.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Cade eSports, Paulson Chima, alongside the CEO and Founder of Game Evolution, Adenipebi Sholakunmi, outlined a shared vision centred on accessibility, grassroots development and international exposure for African gamers.
Since the inception of their partnership in 2023, both organisations have collaborated to expand access to gaming and competitive eSports across the continent. The partnership has so far delivered over 50 eSports tournaments, including the Cade African Gaming Expo, which has been recognised as Africa’s largest eSports tournament since 2024.
Chima said the inspiration behind the initiative was his exposure to eSports abroad, where competitive gaming is recognised as a legitimate career path.
According to him, the goal is to replicate similar structures in Nigeria and across Africa despite prevailing challenges.
“Back then, people didn’t see the vision. But with the right team and shared belief, we’ve been able to build something that can put Africa on the esports map,” he said.
He emphasised that accessibility remains central to the partnership’s strategy, noting that efforts are being made to reduce entry barriers by providing access to gaming consoles, PCs and mobile devices for young and aspiring gamers.
A major highlight of the press conference was the announcement of grassroots-focused initiatives, including the National E-Soccer Pro League (Division 2), scheduled to run from January 17 to March 2026. The league, which serves as a pathway to CAGE26, will feature six gaming titles: EAFC, Street Fighter, Free Fire, Chess, Just Dance and Fortnite.
The 2026 National Esports League will feature multiple divisions, with Division 2 running for seven weeks and Division 1 set to commence in April. Division 2 carries a N1.3m prize pool, while Division 1 offers N3m.
A flagship tournament, tagged “The Cage”, will boast a prize pool exceeding $20,000 and will feature top Nigerian players alongside competitors from eight African countries.
Chima revealed that standout players from these tournaments could earn opportunities to compete in London, either against global opponents or in Africa-only competitions hosted in the United Kingdom.
Reassuring parents about safety concerns, he said organisers would prioritise education, security, and monitoring, while encouraging parental involvement in their children’s online activities.
The league, endorsed by the Nigerian eSports Federation, will be streamed live on YouTube and across social media platforms.
On his part, Sholakunmi reiterated Game Evolution’s commitment to reshaping public perception around gaming and eSports by highlighting its educational, economic and social value. He disclosed that mobile gaming remains the most accessible entry point, with over 100,000 participants, and confirmed Nigeria’s participation in international competitions, including events in Ghana, Ivory Coast, the United Kingdom and the E-AFCON eSports tournament in Morocco.
“Our aim is to build structure, awareness and global relevance, and ultimately position Nigeria as a hub for esports and game development,” he said.
