The Nigerian Esports Industry experienced remarkable growth in 2024, with 14 different game titles contributing to the competitive landscape. From traditional console sports games to mobile battle royales, the industry witnessed shifts in participation, prize pools, and community engagement.

With a total prize pool of ₦90,467,370 spread across four (4) quarters, this article dives into the top-performing esports game titles of 2024, using data from the Nexal Gaming Q4 2024 Esports Report. These numbers tell a compelling story of dominance, resilience, and emerging opportunities in Nigerian Esports.

1. EAFC – Nigeria’s Esports Titan

• Total Prize Pool 2024 (Q1 – Q4): ₦34,118,850
• Biggest Tournament in 2024: eNPFL $15,000 Prize pool (₦20.98M prize pool), with Afefola as Champion.
• Most Active Quarter: Q2 2024 (₦22,593,850 in total prize pools)
• Participation Growth: 960.61% increase in EAFC tournament players from Q1 to Q4 2024.

EAFC (formerly FIFA) remains Nigeria’s undisputed Esports king Title, accounting for approximately 37.7% of the total 2024 prize pool, with ₦34,118,850 awarded across 15 events. The game saw a significant surge in participation, with a remarkable 960% increase in player count from Q1 to Q4, alongside a 275% rise in tournament frequency.

As the highest-grossing title in Nigerian Esports, EAFC continues to be the most commercially viable and well-funded game in the country.

2. PUBG Mobile – The Mobile Battle Royale Powerhouse

• Total Prize Pool 2024 (Q1 – Q4): ₦13,495,850
• Biggest Tournament in 2024: PMCC Nigeria (₦10,000,000 prize pool)
• Most Competitive Quarter: Q4 with ₦11,295,850 prize pool followed by 924 players in  5 Events.
• Participation Metrics: Pubg Mobile turnout was recorded in 2024 with 1274 Players and 223 Teams in 16 events.

PUBG Mobile maintained its status as Nigeria’s top FPS battle royale in 2024, not just in competition but in prize money. The game’s defining moment came in Q4 when it dominated the esports scene with an ₦11,295,850 prize pool across five major events. Q4 2024 also saw record-breaking participation, with 924 players and 154 teams battling for supremacy.

The biggest highlight of the year was the PUBG Mobile Campus Championship (PMCC) Nigeria, which single-handedly raised the stakes with a massive ₦10,000,000 prize pool, making it the most lucrative PUBG Mobile event of the year.

With a ₦90,467,370 total prize pool across all Nigerian esports’ titles in 2024, PUBG Mobile’s (₦13,495,850 2024 total prize pool) contribution underscores its significance in the competitive scene. As participation continues to rise, the game remains a battleground for aspiring champions.

3. Free Fire – Nigeria’s Fastest-Growing Esports Scene

• Total Prize Pool (Q1 – Q4): ₦6,090,000
• Most Competitive Quarter: Q2 (₦4,095,000 total prize pool), 656 players, 107 teams and 5 events.
• Community Growth: Free Fire content creators saw a significant increase in audience size and Free Fire Nigeria with its 107,000 community members reached a 22.99% increase in Q4 2024.

Free Fire solidified itself as Nigeria’s fastest-growing esports scene in 2024, driven by a surge in competitive tournaments and community engagement. The game saw its peak in Q2, where five major events attracted 656 players and 107 teams, competing for a total prize pool of ₦4,095,000 – the highest of any quarter in 2024 for Free Fire.

Beyond competition, Free Fire’s growth was also fueled by its content creators. Streamers and influencers saw significant audience increases, while the Free Fire Nigeria Facebook community experienced an impressive 22.99% upgrowth in Q4, surpassing 107,000 members.

With its combination of grassroots competition and expanding digital presence, Free Fire has transitioned from an emerging title to a staple in Nigeria’s Esports ecosystem. 

4. Call of Duty Mobile – Holding Strong in the FPS Genre

• Total Prize Pool (Q1 – Q4): ₦4,980,200
• Biggest Community Growth: CODM Nigeria Facebook group (103,400 members) grew by 28.13% in Q4
• Most Active Quarter: Q3 with ₦1,160,200 total prize pool, 1994 players, 285 teams, and 4 events.
• Participation Metrics: Call of Duty Mobile turnout in 2024 was 4,745 Players and 573 Teams in 38 events.

Despite increasing competition in Nigeria’s Esports landscape, Call of Duty Mobile maintained its position as a dominant FPS title in 2024. While its prize pools may not have matched some of the bigger Esports game titles, CODM’s grassroots strength and dedicated player base kept it firmly in the scene.

Q3 proved to be the game’s most competitive quarter, with 1,994 players and 285 teams battling across four key events, accumulating a prize pool of ₦1,160,200. But beyond competition, community growth was CODM’s biggest win in 2024 – the CODM Nigeria Facebook group surged by 28.13% in Q4, reaching an impressive 103,400 members.

With 4,745 players participating across 38 events, Call of Duty Mobile remains one of Nigeria’s most consistent FPS titles. The game’s sustained community-driven engagement and competitive structure prove it holds strong in the FPS genre.

5. Mobile Legends – The MOBA That Finally Gained Ground

• Total Prize Pool (Q1 – Q4): ₦500,000 (₦800,000 in in-game diamonds)
• Biggest Milestone: Moonton Sponsored tournament – MLNL Season 4 hosted by Mobile Legends Nigeria (MLN).
• Most Active Quarter: Q4, with 52 teams and 364 players competing.

After years of slow growth, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) finally cemented its place in the Nigerian Esports scene in 2024. One of the game’s biggest breakthroughs came in Q2 with Road to Riyadh: National Qualifiers where Alpha Zero won the rights to represent Team Nigeria in an international tournament, signaling a shift in competitive opportunities.

However, the real game-changer was Moonton’s official recognition of the Nigerian MLBB community in Q4. Moonton sponsored MLNL Season 4 with an ₦800,000 in-game diamond prize pool, further fueling the game’s momentum. The quarter also saw the highest participation numbers, with 52 teams and 364 players competing for a ₦500,000 prize pool.

6. The Rising Contenders – Blood Strike & Farlight 84

• Blood Strike: Q2, with 90 teams, 460 players, and a prize pool of ₦909,350 in 5 events was the only quarter to see activity in 2024.
• Farlight 84 Expansion: 60 teams and 262 players participated in 10 events in 2024 with a total prize pool of ₦250,000.

Blood Strike and Farlight 84 emerged as Nigeria’s newest Esports titles, gaining traction in Q2 of 2024. While they didn’t command massive prize pools, their growing player interest suggests potential for expansion in 2025.

These two game titles reflect a trend toward diversification in Nigerian Esports, as more mobile-first shooters enter the competitive space. Their emergence also presents investment opportunities for organizers looking to capitalize on Nigeria’s growing esports infrastructure.

Conclusion – The Numbers Tell the Story

The esports landscape in Nigeria is undergoing dynamic changes, with traditional leaders like EAFC, PUBG Mobile, and Call of Duty Mobile maintaining dominance, while newer game titles like Blood Strike and Farlight 84 are carving out a niche.

Key Takeaways from 2024:

• EAFC remains the most lucrative title, accounting for 37% of total prize money.
• PUBG Mobile dominates mobile battle royale esports, with its highest tournament activity in Q4.
• Free Fire is Nigeria’s fastest-growing competitive esports game title, with creator engagement driving its momentum.
• Call of Duty Mobile, despite lower prize pools, still boasts a strong community presence.
• New contenders like Blood Strike and Farlight 84 suggest future diversification in Nigerian esports.

With ₦90,467,370 in prize pools awarded across 14 game titles, 2024 has been a pivotal year for Nigerian Esports. Looking ahead, which game title will rise further, and will new game titles disrupt the current hierarchy in 2025?

For a full breakdown of Nigeria’s esports landscape, visit nexalgaming.co to read or download the Q4 & 2024 Data Report.

Last Updated on February 14, 2025