Nigeria has reached a major milestone in the growth of indigenous board games, marking new recognition across Africa.
No fewer than seven Nigerian designers showcased inventive projects at the 2025 African Board Games Convention in Abuja, on Saturday, Nov. 29.
The 9th AB Con on gathered game developers, publishers and enthusiasts from across Africa eager to test new ideas.
Kenechukwu Ogbuagu, Founder of AB Con, said the event had grown remarkably since its 2016 debut.
He noted the rise from two creators to many more, reflecting Africa's increasing innovation in gaming.
Ogbuagu said AB Con seeks to drive acceptance of African-made games among the younger generation.
He added that Africa must rewrite its story beyond foreign titles like chess, scrabble and monopoly.
“The convention has grown for nine years, and it shows Africans love games.”
“We are supporting indigenous ideas so African games can take their rightful place," he said.
Oto-Obong Mendie, Welfare Director, Chess Players Association of Nigeria, praised organisers and participants.
She said the chess segment featured both theory and practical competition to test players’ full competence.
Mendie explained that combining gameplay with written tests ensures participants grow in knowledge and performance.
She added that the event produced balanced results, where theory and gameplay determined final ranking.
She confirmed all prizes were processed and urged unpaid winners to come forward.
“This was the first Nigerian tournament blending written tests with board play.”
“Our goal is to raise thinkers, not just competitors," she said.
Victor Dickson, creator of National Nake, said his innovation merges culture, memory and the future of Nigeria.
He said solving national challenges requires wisdom of elders, creativity of youth and innocence of the unborn.
Dickson said this combination brings history and vision into gaming and national development.
“We blend history and future to inspire national transformation.”
“Change requires wisdom, energy and imagination.”
Goodluck Chukwunyere Ezeocha, National Chess Arbiter, said board games sharpen critical thinking.
He said failure often comes from poor planning, which games help correct.
Ezeocha said board games offer productive engagement for youth against social vices.
“Board games teach discipline, planning and analysis.”
“They offer positive distraction for the youth," he said.
Ladipo Oluwaseun, co-creator of Susty Grab Card, said the game promotes sustainability and the SDG goals.
He said the title covers 13 of 17 SDGs, playable in three modes.
Oluwaseun said it teaches climate awareness, cultural identity and responsible living. He added that the game took two years to build and remains in development.
“Susty Grab blends culture with sustainability education.”
“We want players to learn climate-smart habits," he said.
Observers say Ogbuagu's vision has helped position Nigeria as a creative hub for gaming.
Participants noted growing confidence among young African inventors.
Other publishers present at the convention included Althra Games, ICE Game and Jesus Native Games.
Other Nigerian games present were Oya One More, Wan wan touch, Owonikoko, Village war, No Gree, Concentration, Gbosi, The Outsider and Ngwa.
This year’s convention was partly crowd-sponsored online, with support from Free League, MOB Vanguard and Spiel Foundation.
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