How Gameit9ja is Building a Grassroots Esports Revolution Across Africa
By KaseyStarr | Esports Africa News Nigeria
Forget what you know about esports being all flashy lights and pro-level prize pools. There’s a movement bubbling quietly, passionately, and relentlessly – Gameit9ja.
Born from the East but focused on the entire Nigerian esports landscape, Gameit9ja is on a mission to build the esports ecosystem from the grassroots up. No shortcuts. No one-off tournaments. Just consistent effort, community-first thinking, and a whole lot of grit.
Where It All Began
Gameit9ja launched around August,2024 with a vision to not just support Nigerian gamers, but to empower communities across the country. While most of the spotlight tends to shine on Lagos, Gameit9ja has made it their mission to reach underserved areas like Anambra, Southeast, and beyond building presence, tournaments, and trust from the ground up.
“We believe communities must be planted in the grassroots,” says the founder. “We’re not making noise yet. We’re building.”
From hosting the first Nigerian esports awards to organizing chess tournaments and now launching their flagship EFC (Esports Football Championship), Gameit9ja has made it clear, this is more than a hobby. It’s a movement.
The EFC: A Digital Economy in the Making
The EFC League is a bold step toward establishing a digital economy through esports. Focused on mobile gaming (because, let’s be real, PCs are a luxury in many regions), the league has launched with 12 teams and plans to expand monthly.
By year-end, they aim to:
- Form structured leagues (Super League, League One, League Two)
- Include countries like Ghana, Kenya, and more
- Build inter-African matchups by 2026
The goal is by the end of 12 months, the best players across Africa can compete globally and possibly represent Africa in world tournaments.
Awards That Tell Stories
Gameit9ja is also revolutionizing the recognition system. It’s not just about handing out trophies, it’s about telling the story behind every player, school, or coach. Who they are. Where they started. What they’ve overcome.
They believe every award should come with a story that inspires.
Grassroots, Not Glamour
While others host once-a-year mega tournaments, Gameit9ja is in two different schools every week, nurturing interest in esports from secondary to university level. They understand that for a sustainable esports ecosystem, you have to grow it like a farm, not rent it like a club.
Their approach includes:
- Visiting schools across Southeast and South-South
- Collaborating with game centers for accessible competitions
- Partnering with local communities to set up mini-tournaments
It’s sweaty. It’s slow. But it’s effective.
What the Future Holds
- A fully structured continental EFC league
- Players traveling between countries for matches
- Game broadcasting and media partnerships
- Coaches, players, and organizers building careers
- Grassroots tournaments with national visibility
And yes eventually, monetization. For now, they’re investing sweat, not cash, knowing that the reward comes later.
Gameit9ja is more than a platform. It’s a blueprint for how Africa can build a thriving esports industry without waiting for international validation.
So whether you’re a school principal, a gamer, or just someone curious about the future of gaming in Africa, keep an eye on Gameit9ja, because they’re not just building leagues.
They’re building legends.
Gameit9ja is hiring a Sponsorship & Partnerships Manager to help grow their brand relationships in the Nigerian esports space. This remote, commission-based role is ideal for someone experienced in sponsorship sales and passionate about esports. Perks include networking, brand exposure, performance incentives, and being part of a rising African gaming brand.
To apply or learn more, contact: (+234) 07019533002.
IG: @Gameit9ja
Follow IG: @Justice_lead, X: @emenakaj, IG: @Gameit9ja
Join the Movement
