Nigeria selected for Esports Nations Cup 2026 as national team structure takes shape

Nigeria has been selected to participate in the inaugural Esports Nations Cup 2026, a significant step toward formalising the country’s presence in international esports competition.

The announcement follows the appointment of Cade Esports as Nigeria’s National Team Partner, with Kunmi Adenipebi named National Team Manager responsible for coordinating the country’s participation at the global event.

According to Adenipebi, the selection process involved a two-stage application that included interviews assessing ecosystem knowledge, stakeholder relationships and the ability to organise a national team framework. Candidates also presented a strategic plan outlining player selection and long-term development pathways.

"My focus now is simple: working with the collective ecosystem across title operators, communities, players, government stakeholders, and grassroots organisers to ensure Nigeria delivers a strong first outing, based on our title capabilities, on the global stage," said Adenipebi in a post.

National team structure

The Esports Nations Cup 2026 is organised by the Esports World Cup Foundation and will take place in Riyadh from November 2nd to 29th, bringing together national teams across multiple titles including EA Sports FC, chess and Mobile Legends.

The foundation said more than 630 applications were submitted from 150 countries and territories, reflecting growing global interest in nationally organised esports competition.

Nigeria is among a broad group of African nations selected to participate in the esports tournament alongside countries such as Algeria, Egypt, Senegal, Botswana and others listed within the official national team framework.