As part of Women in Gaming Africa (WiG Africa)’s mission to amplify the voices of women shaping the industry, we spoke with five Nigerian leaders who are redefining what is possible in this market. Their stories reflect passion, resilience and a vision for a gaming ecosystem that is commercially powerful, culturally relevant and sustainable.
Nigeria’s gaming industry is one of the most exciting frontiers on the continent: vibrant, fast-growing, and fuelled by a youthful, digital-first population. It is also an market still finding its footing, balancing innovation with regulation and global ambition with local culture.
Unity Nwanze, business operations & country manager, Score7bet
For Unity, gaming was never the plan. It quickly became a calling.
“This industry found me. I started in a training role simply looking for a space to share knowledge but that opportunity became a launchpad for my growth in operations and now a country manager role. What keeps me passionate is the constant evolution of the industry; just when you think you know enough there is always more to learn and achieve.”
Unity Nwanze
She describes Nigeria’s market as being on a “strong upward trajectory” with local developers creating culturally relevant games, esports gaining serious momentum, and jobs being generated.
Her long-term goal is clear, she wants to empower and mentor the next generation of gaming professionals. “Building a strong talent pipeline that will grow the industry is the legacy I hope to leave behind,” she adds.
Gift Tuadibofa, executive secretary, Association of Nigerian Bookmakers
Like many others, Gift’s journey into gaming was unexpected, but it became a platform for impact.
“I never set out to work in gaming, I stumbled into it through my legal background and it quickly became a space where I felt I could make real impact. Along the way I realised this industry touches people’s lives in ways that go beyond entertainment. It shapes livelihoods, communities, and choices. That sense of responsibility is what keeps me going.”
Gift Tuadibofa
She highlights trust as both the greatest challenge and the greatest opportunity. “Operators feel misunderstood, regulators feel unheard, and players often get caught in the middle. Yet within that tension lies the opportunity. We are not just hustling, we are building, often with little recognition.”
Her ambition is to help create an industry defined by trust and responsibility. “I want to leave behind an industry that people can trust, where gaming is enjoyed responsibly and no one feels taken advantage of,” Gift concludes.
Adenike Oyebamiji, legal compliance (West Africa), Velex Advisory
With roots in litigation, Adenike made a deliberate shift into gaming law, a decision that has defined her career.
“The industry’s continuous evolution and expansion inspires me to stay committed. I am passionate about driving growth, tackling challenges, and making a positive impact.”
Adenike Oyebamiji
She points to vast opportunities in Nigeria, from localising games to the adoption of blockchain, crypto, and virtual reality. Crash games, esports, and digital-first innovations are already reshaping the market.
Her vision is ambitious yet pragmatic: “I aspire to see a thriving, well-regulated gaming market that competes with the top jurisdictions globally. My vision includes eradication of illegal gambling and increased adoption of responsible gaming practices.”
Goodness Ohanyere, product designer, Betsson (Malta)
For Goodness, a childhood love of mobile games became the foundation for a career in product design. She quickly recognised the need for innovation in player experience.
“What keeps me excited is understanding the psychology of players and creating interfaces that truly engage them.”
Goodness Ohanyere
She sees Nigeria’s market as “messy, exciting, and full of opportunity all at once”, a young and vibrant ecosystem hungry for better experiences. Beyond her work at Betsson, she is committed to collaboration and diversity. “I want to see an African gaming industry where everyone has a seat at the table, especially women,” Goodness notes.
Nengi Akinola, head of marketing, BetKing
Marketing leader Nengi was drawn to gaming by its unique combination of creativity, innovation, and community.
“What keeps me passionate is the opportunity to localise global concepts for African audiences and build products and campaigns that genuinely excite millions of young people.”
Nengi Akinola
She believes Nigeria’s future growth lies in mobile-first design, culturally relevant virtual sports and the rise of esports and influencer-driven betting. Her ambition is not only commercial but cultural.
“I would like to be remembered for creating platforms, campaigns and experiences that made gaming more inclusive and culturally relevant. More importantly, I want to prove that great original case studies can come out of Africa, showing the world that our innovations do not just follow trends, they set them.,” Nengi adds.
Together these five women illustrate the energy and ambition of Nigeria’s gaming sector. They remind us that this is not simply a market with potential, but one already shaping Africa’s gaming future.
From compliance to creativity, mentorship to marketing, their leadership demonstrates that Nigeria is not only keeping pace but setting the stage for global recognition.
About Women in Gaming Africa
We are a community dedicated to empowering and amplifying the voices of women across the African gaming sector. Through mentorship, leadership programmes, networking, and events, WiG Africa connects women, allies, and organisations to accelerate action and create lasting impact.
If you would like to support our mission as a member, partner, or sponsor, visit [Women in Gaming Africa] or connect directly with me, Lois Bright, founder of WiG Africa and managing director of Initiate International. Together, we can ensure African women in gaming are not only seen but celebrated.
Check out last month’s WiG column celebrating Women’s Month in South Africa.
This month’s WiG column shines a spotlight on some of the women at the forefront of Nigeria’s rapid gaming growth.