In recent years, Esports has taken the world by storm, and Nigeria is no exception. At the forefront of this growing movement is Adedeji Israel, a 500-level student of Ecotourism and Wildlife Management at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA). Known for his competitive spirit and love for Call of Duty Mobile (CODM), Adedeji has participated in over 100 tournaments and is a rising star in the Nigerian Esports scene.

In this exclusive interview, Adedeji shares his journey into gaming, his thoughts on the Esports industry in Nigeria, and his advice for aspiring gamers. From balancing studies and gaming to his biggest achievements in competitive play, Adedeji offers a candid look into what it takes to succeed in the world of Esports.

Meet Adedeji Israel, a 500-level student of Ecotourism and Wildlife Management at FUTA and a passionate gamer. He shares his journey, experiences, and advice for anyone looking to dive into Esports.

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Q: What got you into gaming?​
A: Since I was young, I’ve been interestedEsports has taken the world by storm in recent years in gaming. I use it to relax, and the only game I play right now is Call of Duty Mobile (CODM). I started playing CODM during the COVID period in 2019 or 2020, thanks to a friend. I love challenging games, so CODM is perfect for me. I don’t enjoy Free Fire because it’s not too challenging, and PUBG’s movement isn’t as cool to me.

Q: What gaming setup do you use?​
A: I play on my iPad.

Q: How involved are you in Esports tournaments?​
A: I’ve played in over 100 tournaments since 2020, sometimes back-to-back. I get my Esports news and updates from Nigerian gaming companies, WhatsApp and Discord communities, and private lobbies with pro players.

Q: How can we make FUTA’s Esports community more active?​
A: Awareness is key. If the project offers something valuable, people will show up. People are starting to play for careers, not just for fun.

Q: What advice do you have for someone trying to break into Esports?​
A: Stay consistent. I’ve been playing since 2021, but I wasn’t noticed until I became consistent. I got my first contract five months ago because of that.

Q: How do you balance gaming with your studies?​
A: I mostly play at night. Setting screen time limits is important. You have to manage your time and prioritize.

Q: What’s your biggest achievement in Esports?​
A: I’ve always wanted to play for a clan, and I finally joined X Black Nemesis, which is led by one of Africa’s best players, All Father. I won a Tier 2 competition with a team called Linear Hider.

Q: How do you see Esports in Nigeria?​
A: It’s growing. People in Africa are just starting to see Esports as a career. In a few years, I believe it will be big and more organized.

Q: Where do you see yourself in five years?​
A: In the next five years, Esports will blow up in Nigeria. I plan to stay competitive and avoid the labour market. I enjoy competitive gaming too much.

Q: What do you wish more people understood about gaming?​
A: It’s not a waste of time. People can build careers in Esports. There’s a lot of potential.

Q: Who is your favorite Esports player?​
A: All Father, and Mona CODM, who’s the best in Africa.

Q: If you could create your own game, what would it be like?​
A: I’d create a shooter game optimized for players with low-end devices.

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FIND HIM HERE:

​Check out Adedeji Israel here on Tiktok, you will love his gameplay and it might just inspire you to become an outstanding CODM player like he is

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Conclusion

Adedeji Israel’s journey from casual gaming to the competitive world of Esports is a testament to the power of consistency, passion, and community. His insights not only shed light on the growing Esports scene in Nigeria but also provide valuable advice for anyone looking to break into the field. Whether you’re a student balancing studies with gaming or someone eager to turn a hobby into a career, Adedeji’s story shows that success is within reach with dedication and the right mindset.

As the Esports industry grows in Africa, players like Adedeji are paving the way for future generations, proving that gaming is more than just a pastime—it’s a legitimate career path filled with opportunities. The future looks bright, and Adedeji Israel is determined to stay at the forefront of the movement.

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Know anyone who deserves an interview with us? contact our interviewer on WhatsApp!​

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Written by Abere Jesupemi, FUTA Esports Founder