In a landmark partnership set to reshape Nigeria’s cultural scene, the National Council for Arts and Culture, NCAC, has joined forces with Game Evolution Esports, Cade Esports, and the Esports Federation of Nigeria to officially introduce competitive e-sports at the 2025 edition of the National Festival of Arts and Culture, NAFEST.

The NCAC announced that competitive eSports will officially debut at the 2025 edition of the NAFEST, which is scheduled to be held in Enugu from 22 to 29 November 2025.

The 2025 NAFEST theme is “Connected Culture,” and the inclusion of esports aims to celebrate the fusion of tradition and technology.

Obi Asika, Director-General of NCAC, described the development as a bold step toward embracing digital culture as part of Nigeria’s evolving heritage.

The DG said, “We are delighted to welcome esports to NAFEST. Nigeria is home to over 250,000 active competitive gamers, and it’s time their talents are recognised on the national stage.

“This partnership reflects our belief that culture is dynamic, and Connected Culture means embracing both heritage and the digital future,” Mr Asika said.

The festival, often dubbed Nigeria’s Cultural Olympics, will host a series of competitive tournaments under the new initiative of NAFEST and the Esports Federation of Nigeria, led by Yahaya Maikori.

The highlights of sports events will include state vs. state showdowns, competitions across popular gaming titles like football and battle royale, and a dedicated content creator zone with live commentary for streamers and influencers.

Fans are also promised an immersive gaming village pop-up featuring merchandise, food, and music.

GameEvo and Cade Esports, two major forces in Nigeria’s competitive gaming scene, will anchor the execution.

Speaking on the significance of this entry into NAFEST, GameEvo founder Kunmi Adenipebi and Cade Esports founder Chima Paulson Chima said: “Bringing esports to NAFEST is a game-changer.

“We’re building a platform for players across Nigeria to compete, connect, and be celebrated. From the grassroots to the grand stage, this is our chance to show that gaming is a serious part of Nigerian culture,” they said.

Yahaya Maikori, President of the Esports Federation of Nigeria, also emphasised the country’s cultural and economic potential for esports.

He said, “Esports is youth culture. It’s a community. It’s commerce. This is the first step toward fully recognising and integrating gaming within Nigeria’s creative economy.

“We thank NCAC for its visionary leadership and call on all gamers to join us in Enugu for an unforgettable showdown,” he added.

The organisers noted that the addition is more than a nod to current trends; it’s a “cultural reset.”