Iyke Bede reports that Nigeria’s gaming landscape is becoming increasingly competitive and rewarding, with a number of standout players who have built loyal followings through skill and consistency. One of them is Ayere-Victor Ehinome, popularly known as Manja Lee, who has amassed more than 500,000 followers on Instagram and TikTok combined. Like many professionals, he began playing early, cutting his teeth in Nigeria’s underground gaming circles long before the scene moved into the mainstream

Since 2015, Africa’s gaming landscape has experienced dramatic shifts, amassing 77 million players. That figure catapulted to 186 million in 2021, and it continues to climb, revealing the continent’s ravenous appetite for games. Just last year, it hit a new high of 349 million players. These trends reveal three defining pillars: better internet access, a culture that now embraces gaming as more than a pastime, and, of course, the big bucks.

Currently, the continent generates a revenue of $1.8 billion, primarily from mobile games, which account for 87 per cent of the market. Nigeria is the second-largest market, with revenue of $300 million and around 42 million players (2021 estimate).

As Africa’s gaming market grows and gains recognition, so too do the gamers behind the pads and screens. In Nigeria, particularly on social media, several standout players have built loyal followings through their skill and consistency. One of them is Ayere-Victor Ehinome, popularly known as Manja Lee, who has amassed more than 500,000 followers on Instagram and TikTok combined. Like many professionals, he began playing early, cutting his teeth in Nigeria’s underground gaming circles long before the scene moved into the mainstream.

Today, his audience is split between active gamers and a growing base of passive consumers — people who may not play themselves but eagerly watch gameplay as entertainment.

“My roommate encouraged me to share my gameplay online. To my surprise, my very first video went viral, and that moment really sparked my journey as a creator,” said Manja Lee. “The real breakthrough came in 2023 when I won my first national award as the Best ‘Call of Duty Mobile’ Content Creator. That recognition opened the door to bigger opportunities, with brands and companies reaching out and advertising offers coming in. Not long after, I decided to leave my job as an auditor and fully commit to content creation.”

Furthermore, the gamer has earned the coveted TikTok Top Creator Award (Gaming), establishing him as one of Africa’s brightest gaming streamers. For Lee, the honour is more than bragging rights; it reflects the trajectory of gaming in Africa and his role in inspiring others to take up the mantle of building stronger communities.

“Collaborating with global brands like Spotify, Roblox, TikTok, and now Red Bull shows just how far gaming in Africa has come. It tells us that the industry here is no longer overlooked. Big brands now recognise the influence, creativity, and potential within the African gaming community,” said Lee. “These partnerships highlight that gaming in Africa is growing into a serious cultural and economic force, and I’m proud to be part of a movement that is opening doors for more gamers and creators across the continent.”

Lee added, “Red Bull signing me under the non-competitive category shows that the brand sees gaming as much more than just Esports. They recognise that creators play a huge role in shaping gaming culture through entertainment, storytelling, and community building. It shows that Red Bull values the influence and creativity that content creators bring, not just the skill of competition. For me, it’s proof that gaming is evolving into a lifestyle and cultural movement, and creators are just as important as pro players in driving that forward.”

But Lee is not your average gamer; he brings both brains and brawn to the arena. Earning two degrees has shaped the way he approaches gameplay and how he repackages it into content that resonates with everyday audiences.

“Studying accounting first gave me a solid sense of structure, discipline, and the ability to analyse numbers, which has been really useful in understanding insights, performance metrics, and the business side of content creation,” Lee explained.

“Later, moving into media and communications helped me develop the creative and storytelling side, learning how to connect with audiences and present ideas in ways that resonate. Together, both backgrounds shaped my approach. I treat content not just as creativity but also as strategy, making sure it’s entertaining while also being sustainable and impactful,” he added, detailing the ingredients of masterful play and curation.

Attaining so much honour in a short span, the streamer outlines some of the challenges and setbacks faced by the gaming community, whether for amateurs or professionals.

He said, “What’s still missing in Nigeria’s gaming industry is a strong supporting structure. Things like better infrastructure for internet and electricity, more investment from local companies, and platforms that create opportunities for gamers to compete and grow. Another big challenge is the apathy of parents and society, where gaming is often seen as a distraction rather than a legitimate career path. That lack of early support can hold back a lot of talented young people.

“At the same time, there are huge opportunities for creators. With the rise of streaming platforms, social media, and brand interest, Nigerian gamers can build careers not only as players but also as entertainers, storytellers, and community leaders. The industry is still young, which means creators have the chance to change those perceptions, set the standard, and open doors for the next generation.”

Lee describes his brand as an ideal, a way of showing that African gamers can be recognised globally while redefining gaming as a career and culture rather than a mere pastime. It is a vision that mirrors the larger trajectory of the industry itself: a market that has grown from tens of millions of players less than a decade ago to 349 million today, generating $1.8 billion in revenue.

His journey may be personal, but it exemplifies the continent’s shift: one where gaming is no longer a distraction but a growing cultural and economic force.

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