Nigeria's creative sector has scored a significant continental victory in the world of indigenous board gaming. The country earned widespread recognition as seven locally developed games were presented at the prestigious 2025 African Board Games Convention (AB Con). This landmark event highlighted Nigeria's growing role as a hub for innovative game design in Africa.
A Platform for African Innovation
The 9th edition of AB Con, held on 4 December 2025, served as a major gathering point for game developers, publishers, and enthusiasts from across the continent. Kenechukwu Ogbuagu, the Founder of AB Con, reflected on the convention's remarkable journey since its inception in 2016. He noted the event's growth from featuring just two creators to now showcasing numerous talents, a clear indicator of Africa's rising innovative spirit in the gaming industry.
Ogbuagu emphasized the convention's core mission: to promote African-made games among the youth and diversify play beyond imported classics like chess, Scrabble, and Monopoly. "The convention has grown for nine years, and it shows Africans love games," Ogbuagu stated. "We are supporting indigenous ideas so African games can take their rightful place." He also highlighted a pioneering format at this year's event, describing it as the first Nigerian tournament to blend written theoretical tests with practical board gameplay, aiming to cultivate thinkers rather than mere competitors.
Spotlight on Nigerian Game Creators
The convention floor buzzed with unique Nigerian creations. Victor Dickson, the mind behind National Nake, explained that his game intertwines Nigerian culture, memory, and visions for the future. He believes solving national issues requires a blend of wisdom from elders, creativity from the youth, and the perspective of future generations.
Another standout was Susty Grab Card, co-created by Ladipo Oluwaseun. This game is designed to promote sustainability awareness and aligns with 13 of the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). "Susty Grab blends culture with sustainability education. We want players to learn climate-smart habits," Oluwaseun explained, noting the game's two-year development journey is still ongoing.
The event also featured a strong chess component organized by the Chess Players Association of Nigeria. Oto-Obong Mendie, the Association's Welfare Director, praised the hybrid format. "Combining gameplay with written tests ensures participants grow in knowledge and performance," she said, confirming all prizes were processed and urging any unpaid winners to come forward.
Educational Value and Future Prospects
The educational impact of board games was a recurring theme. National Chess Arbiter Goodluck Chukwunyere Ezeocha underscored their benefits, stating, "Board games teach discipline, planning and analysis. They offer positive distraction for the youth."
Observers at the convention noted that Ogbuagu's vision is effectively positioning Nigeria as a creative epicenter for gaming. Participants reported a noticeable surge in confidence among young African inventors. The convention showcased a variety of creators and companies, including Althra Games, ICE Game, Jesus Native Games, Oya One More, and Wan Wan Touch, among others.
The successful event was partly funded through online crowd-sponsorship, with additional support from organizations like Free League, MOB Vanguard, and the Spiel Foundation. This collective effort marks a pivotal step for Nigeria's indigenous gaming industry on the African stage.
