On August 30–31, Lagos will become the center of African esports. Eight regional champions have fought through intense qualifiers to make it here, each bringing a unique style, story, and set of strengths. The Carry1st Africa Cup Grand Finals aren’t just about the $15,000 prize pool; the winner will also punch Africa’s first official ticket to the Call of Duty: Mobile World Championship 2025. It’s the highest stakes this scene has ever seen, and every finalist believes they have what it takes to lift the trophy.

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The Final Eight

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Kenya – Delta eSports (Swae)

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Kenya’s kings arrive with a flawless playoff record — not dropping a single map. Swae says the key was adaptability: “Have adaptive strategies and adapt to the playstyle of your enemy… always have a layout for a situation where a contingency is needed.” This ability to shift gears mid-match will be dangerous in Lagos.

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Nigeria – Sierra7 (Virus)

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Back-to-back Nigerian champions, Sierra7 dominated both the Winners Final and Grand Final without losing a map. Virus sums up their mindset: “Don’t let the crowd or the pressure shake you… believe in your team and the work you’ve put in.” Their aggression, confidence, and history of closing out high-pressure games make them one of the clear favorites.

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Ghana – Aura 233 (Ruin)

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Aura 233 stormed through their qualifier without dropping a single map, relying on surgical execution and icy composure. Ruin knows the value of mental strength: “You can train for hours a day, but if you can’t keep your cool when things don’t go your way, it won’t matter.” They’ll be the team that stays calm when everyone else is rattled.

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Uganda – Nondescript Gaming (Outkast)

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Uganda’s champions bring tactical discipline and clutch potential. Outkast recalls their qualifier turning point: a near comeback from ExHavoc that they stopped cold with smart reads and tight team play. His philosophy: “Stay connected to the game and you’ll find victory in the chaos.”

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South Africa – ParadoX (Toxic)

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ParadoX arrive undefeated from the South African LAN qualifiers, a statement run in one of the continent’s most competitive regions. Captain Toxic keeps it simple: “Stay calm and composed at all times, don’t get irritated, and always be confident in every play you make.”

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North Africa (Egypt) – Instinct (Device)

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Instinct didn’t drop a single map in their regional run. Device knows the LAN stage can shake even veterans: “It’s all in the mindset… everyone is nervous, so you’ve got to settle in and do your best.” With their speed and confidence, they’re a threat to anyone.

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Francophone West Africa (Senegal) – Sage Gaming (Nolimit)

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Sage Gaming dominated their finals 4–1 against Cameroon’s Jblack Team. Nolimit sees Lagos as a chance to make a statement: “Adapt your playstyle to the opponent… finals are about reading the game quickly and staying unpredictable.” Senegal’s best could shock the bracket.

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Nigeria – Eclipse (Figure)

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Replacing Trinity (Mauritius) from the Wildcard qualifiers due to travel constraints, many who witnessed the Nigerian regionals will remember the stalwart that is Eclipse. Simply unforgettable, Eclipse pushed Sierra7 to their limits in the Nigerian finals. Team captain Figure is focused on mental prep: “It’s the mental battle that decides finals. Exercise, take breaks… refresh your mind so you can perform when it counts.” If they get hot, they could go on a deep run.

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Significance of the Event

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Beyond the regional pride and the prize money, this Grand Final represents something bigger: Africa’s arrival on the global Call of Duty: Mobile stage. As mentioned earlier, the champions in Lagos aren’t just playing for a title; they’re playing for a chance to compete with the world’s best. 

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In fact, the winners will secure Africa’s coveted slot in the official CODM World Championship 2025, a first in African esports history. It’s a monumental opportunity as the victorious squad will go from local heroes to representing an entire continent on the international scene, facing teams that until now they could only watch from afar.

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The stakes are enormous. Not only is there $15,000 on the line locally, but a shot at a $1,000,000 global prize pool awaits at the World Championship. Activision’s official recognition of the Carry1st Africa Cup as a qualifier legitimizes what African gamers have known for years: the talent here is world-class and deserves a place on esports’ biggest stage. 

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“This tournament is shaping up to be a major moment for African esports,” noted Call of Duty: Mobile’s co-head Jeffrey Gullett, emphasizing how it creates real opportunities for regional players to break through and compete globally.

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For many players, this event is the culmination of a dream. From Cape Town to Cairo, Accra to Nairobi, they’ve ground through ranked ladders and scrappy local contests, all for a moment like this. Now they’ll get to play on a LAN stage in front of passionate fans, with all of Africa cheering and the world watching. It’s not just about bragging rights; it’s about putting African esports firmly on the map.

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The Final Question

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As the countdown to the Grand Finals in Lagos nears its end, one question remains for us spectators: Which team has the right mix of skill, strategy, and composure to rise to the top in Lagos? Each squad brings its own flavor: Nigerian ferocity, Ghanaian strategy, South African resilience, and more. 

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On August 30–31, under the bright lights and roaring crowd, they’ll all clash to decide Africa’s champion. We’ve seen the road they took to get here. Now it’s time to watch them claim the crown. Grab your popcorn, tune in, and may the best team win Africa’s ultimate CODM showdown.

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