The African gaming market is on the verge of a significant transformation, with projections indicating it will exceed $1 billion by the end of 2024. This rapid growth reflects not just the increasing interest in gaming but also the surging number of gamers across the continent. A survey conducted by the Pan Africa Gaming Group (PAGG) and GeoPoll across Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya, and South Africa reveals that 92% of African gamers prefer playing on their smartphones. This trend highlights the dominance of mobile gaming, driven by the growing accessibility of smartphones and the Android platform’s widespread use.
As gaming continues to thrive in Africa, especially in Nigeria, brands have a unique opportunity to engage with a highly active and passionate community through gaming influencers. This article will explore 14 prominent Nigerian gaming influencers who have the potential to amplify your brand’s presence in this burgeoning market.
The Growing Influence of Nigerian Gaming Influencers
Gaming influencers are no longer niche figures in Nigeria; they are key players in shaping trends and driving engagement within the gaming community. These influencers have cultivated loyal followings on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Twitch, where they share gameplay, reviews, tips, and insights into the gaming world. Their influence extends beyond just gaming; they are cultural trendsetters who connect with audiences on a personal level, making them ideal partners for brands looking to tap into the Nigerian gaming market.
For brands, partnering with gaming influencers offers several strategic benefits:
- Authentic Engagement: Gaming influencers have built trust with their followers, making their recommendations more credible and influential.
- Targeted Reach: These influencers have niche audiences that are highly engaged, allowing brands to reach specific demographics effectively.
- Creative Collaborations: Gaming influencers are known for their creativity, which can lead to innovative and impactful marketing campaigns.
Meet these 14 Nigerian Gaming Influencers Shaping the Market
1. Play with Tomide (David)
- Instagram: @playwithtomide (72K followers)
- TikTok: @playwithtomide_ (24.5K followers)
- Engagement Rate: 1.47% on Instagram, 1.48% on TikTok
Play with Tomide is a rising star in the Nigerian gaming scene. With a strong presence on Instagram and TikTok, Tomide is known for his engaging content that blends humor with in-depth gaming insights. His followers appreciate his down-to-earth approach and relatability, making him a trusted voice in the gaming community. Brands looking to connect with a youthful, tech-savvy audience would find great value in partnering with Tomide.
2. Kings Plays
- TikTok: @.kingplayss (154.2K followers)
- Engagement Rate: 4.38%
Kings Plays is a TikTok sensation in the Nigerian gaming world. With a highly engaged following, Kings Plays is known for his dynamic and entertaining gameplay videos. His content resonates with a broad audience, from casual gamers to hardcore enthusiasts, making him an ideal partner for brands targeting a diverse gaming demographic.
3. Manja (Victor)
- Instagram: @khalamanja_ (46.9K followers)
- TikTok: @khalamanja_ (303K followers)
- Engagement Rate: 5.95% on Instagram, 8.28% on TikTok
Manja, also known as Khalamanja, has quickly risen to prominence with his captivating gaming content. His high engagement rates on both Instagram and TikTok demonstrate his strong connection with his audience. Manja’s content is a mix of gameplay highlights, tutorials, and personal insights, making him a versatile influencer for brands looking to create meaningful connections with gamers.
4. DoxOse (Daniel)
- Instagram: @doxose_ (370K followers)
- Engagement Rate: 7.60%
DoxOse is a powerhouse in the Nigerian gaming community. With a substantial following on Instagram, he is known for his high-energy content and deep passion for gaming. DoxOse’s influence extends beyond gaming; he is a cultural figure who resonates with a broad audience, making him an excellent partner for brands looking to reach a diverse and engaged audience.
5. Rockamin
- TikTok: @rockamintv (17K followers)
- Instagram: @rockamintv (1.1K followers)
- Twitch: @rockamintv (19.3K followers)
- Engagement Rate: 1.32% on TikTok, 1.25% on Instagram
Rockamin is a multi-platform gaming influencer with a presence on TikTok, Instagram, and Twitch. His content is diverse, ranging from live gameplay to in-depth game reviews. While his engagement rates are modest, Rockamin’s multi-channel presence offers brands a unique opportunity to reach different segments of the gaming community.
6. Stefkaly
- TikTok: @stefkaly (4.7K followers)
- Engagement Rate: 0.54%
Stefkaly is one of the few female gaming influencers in Nigeria, bringing a fresh perspective to the gaming scene. Her content on TikTok is engaging and relatable, making her a great partner for brands looking to promote inclusivity and diversity in gaming.
7. Odunwire
- Instagram: @odun.wire__ (19.7K followers)
- TikTok: @odunwire_cod (545.7K followers)
- Engagement Rate: 11.22% on Instagram, 2.05% on TikTok
Odunwire is a highly influential gaming content creator with a massive following on TikTok. His high engagement rates on Instagram suggest a strong connection with his audience, making him a valuable partner for brands looking to tap into the gaming market. His content is a blend of gameplay highlights, tips, and personal anecdotes, offering brands a range of collaboration opportunities.
8. Kingnee
- YouTube: @kingneeyt (2K followers)
- Engagement Rate: 4.56%
Kingnee is a YouTube-based gaming influencer with a growing following. His content is focused on game reviews, tutorials, and live streams, making him a valuable partner for brands looking to create in-depth and educational content for their audiences.
9. Franciz Ciz
- TikTok: @franciz_ciz (10K followers)
- Engagement Rate: 1.14%
Franciz Ciz is a TikTok gaming influencer known for his entertaining and humorous content. His growing following and unique content style make him an ideal partner for brands looking to engage with a young and dynamic audience.
10. Ceza
- Instagram: @tacticalceza (14.2K followers)
- TikTok: @tacticalceza (205.5K followers)
- Engagement Rate: 1.62% on Instagram, 8.48% on TikTok
Ceza is a rising star in the Nigerian gaming community, known for his tactical gameplay and insightful commentary. His high engagement rates on TikTok reflect his strong connection with his audience, making him a valuable partner for brands looking to create engaging and impactful campaigns.
11. Kagan
- Instagram: @kagantech (353K followers)
- Engagement Rate: 0.85%
Kagan is a tech-focused influencer with a significant following on Instagram. While his primary focus is on technology, Kagan’s content often intersects with gaming, making him a valuable partner for brands looking to bridge the gap between tech and gaming audiences.
12. Miss Techy
- Instagram: @misstechy (221K followers)
- Engagement Rate: 1.37%
Miss Techy is a prominent tech influencer with a strong presence on Instagram. While her content primarily focuses on technology, she has a growing interest in gaming, making her an ideal partner for brands looking to reach tech-savvy gamers.
13. FPL.cim
- TikTok: @fpl.cim (42.7K followers)
- Engagement Rate: 2.05%
FPL.cim is a TikTok influencer known for his gaming content, particularly focused on fantasy sports. His content is engaging and informative, making him a valuable partner for brands looking to reach sports gaming enthusiasts.
14. FPL.Ryan
- TikTok: @fpl.ryan (29.4K followers)
- Engagement Rate: 8.81%
FPL.Ryan is a TikTok influencer with a strong focus on fantasy sports and gaming. His high engagement rate reflects his ability to connect with his audience, making him a valuable partner for brands looking to create impactful gaming campaigns.
The Nigerian gaming market presents a lucrative opportunity for brands, and partnering with gaming influencers is a strategic way to tap into this rapidly growing industry. These 14 influencers represent the diversity, creativity, and passion within the Nigerian gaming community. By collaborating with these influencers, brands can create authentic, engaging, and impactful campaigns that resonate with gamers and drive meaningful results.
In conclusion, as the African gaming market continues to expand, brands that invest in partnerships with Nigerian gaming influencers will be well-positioned to capitalize on the immense potential of this dynamic industry. The key to success lies in selecting the right influencers who align with your brand values and goals, creating campaigns that not only promote your products but also add value to the gaming community.
