Trending Gaming & Esports News of the Week – 17/01/2026

As of January 17, 2026, the gaming and esports ecosystem across Africa and the global scene continues to gain momentum, with major tournaments, industry opportunities, and landmark announcements shaping the week. From continental championships and league kickoffs to global publisher initiatives and developer programs, here are the top stories driving conversations this week.

African eFootball Mobile Championships Set for Casablanca

The African eFootball Mobile Championships is scheduled to take place on January 15–16, 2026, in Casablanca, Morocco, in synergy with AFCON 2025. The tournament will feature top eFootball Mobile players from 37 African countries, including Nigeria. Fans can follow the action live via the FRMJE Officiel YouTube channel or stay updated through the African Confederation of Electronic Sports on Instagram.

eFIBA Season 4 Pre-Qualifiers Officially Underway

The official pre-qualifiers for Season 4 of the eFIBA Basketball Competition kicked off on January 13, 2026. Fifteen teams are competing across two groups, with Nigeria among the participating nations. The top two teams from each group will advance to the global brackets, where they will face elite teams from Asia, South America, Europe, North America, and the Middle East. Updates are available via eFIBA’s official Instagram page.

Leti Arts Opens Applications for Internship Program

African game studio Leti Arts has opened applications for its internship program, offering aspiring creatives the chance to gain hands-on experience, develop practical skills, and work within a collaborative studio environment. The opportunity targets passionate individuals looking to grow within the African game development ecosystem. You can apply here

Cade Esports EA FC Pro League Begins January 17

The highly anticipated Cade Esports EA FC Pro League officially kicks off on January 17, 2026. The league will feature 12 top players from the Onile Division competing against 8 relegated players from the Elite Division. Spanning seven weeks, the league promises intense competition and high-level EA FC action. Fans can follow the league on Cade Esports’ Instagram and YouTube channels.

Deadpool Arrives in Marvel Rivals Season 6

Marvel Rivals, the superhero shooter developed by NetEase, is launching Season 6: “Night at the Museum” on January 16, 2026. The update introduces major gameplay changes, quality-of-life improvements, and the arrival of fan-favorite antihero Deadpool. The new season is expected to significantly reshape the competitive meta and reinvigorate player engagement.

Esports Nations Cup 2026 Opens National Team Partner Applications

The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has officially opened applications for National Team Partners ahead of the Esports Nations Cup (ENC) 2026. This initiative introduces a structured, nation-based competition where players compete under their national flags.
Approved partners will receive extensive support, including:

• An official ENC 2026 participation license
• Operational and structural backing from EWCF
• Access to the $20 million ENC Development Fund
• Travel and accommodation support for teams and staff
• Annual National Team Manager compensation of up to $25,000
  

Xbox Game Camp Africa Announces 18 Selected Studios

Microsoft has unveiled the list of African game studios selected for the third edition of Xbox Game Camp Africa, which will run for six weeks later this year. Due to overwhelming interest, Xbox expanded participation from 8 to 18 studios across 12 countries. Selected studios include:

• AJB Games Studio (Morocco)
• Atrybute Graphics (South Africa)
• Dawn Of Game Studio (Cameroon)
• Disputed People Games (South Africa)
• Elder Studios (Ethiopia)
• Fer Factor (Nigeria)
• Four Old Men (South Africa)
• Junub Games (South Sudan)
• Kiro’o Games (Cameroon)
• Kucheza Gaming (Nigeria)
• Kunta Content (Kenya)
• Kwathu Kollective (Malawi)
• Leti Arts (Ghana)
• Masseka Game Studio (Central African Republic)
• Nout Games (Egypt)
• Pineapple on Pizza Studios (South Africa)
• SpaceSalad Studios (South Africa)
• Usiku Games (Kenya)
  

Xbox also confirmed that studios not selected this year have been placed on a shortlist for future editions.

From continental championships and national leagues to global publisher initiatives and developer growth programs, this week highlights the accelerating pace of gaming and esports development across Africa and beyond. Stay locked in with Nexal Gaming for continued coverage, insights, and updates shaping the ecosystem.