Gaming as we know it is changing. And Nigeria is no stranger to this. Not just because of tech advancements or internet penetration. The real shift is more and more women stepping boldly into the esports spotlight. From mobile titles like Free Fire, PUBG Mobile, COD Mobile, MLBB, and FC Mobile, these gamers are redefining what it means to compete.

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Forget that stereotype of gaming as a guys-only club. Players like Toluwanimi, Azrael, Tenten, Primera, part of Nigeria’s all-women esports team, Pixies, and plenty of other women gamers are proving they belong, match by match, stream by stream.

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We asked these players about their journeys, struggles, and wins, and here's what they had to say.

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How They Got Started

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Everyone has a unique entry point. One such female gamer, who chose to remain anonymous for this interview, shared her ‘humble beginnings’ with us: “It started because of boredom during the COVID lockdown. Gaming became one of my hobbies [to help me while away time]. Now, it's all about fun and meeting new people.”

Toluwanimi, known in-game as @alison_frigg of the Pixies Free Fire all-female esports team fame, got her start from a friend named Lord J. “That introduction opened a whole new world for me. What keeps me going is the thrill of competition, the community of amazing women around me, and the vision of building something bigger than myself; that’s what keeps me hooked.”

Her teammate Azrael (@Az_ra.el), Pixies’ support and rusher, started because another friend suggested the lucrative nature of competitive esports. She admits, laughing, “Honestly, [it’s money]. Money keeps me going.”

Tenten (@UC.tenten) also began because a friend invited her. She stays for the friendships she's made along the way. Rounding up the Pixies esports team is Primera (@primera_ff), who started playing years ago as part of the original Pixies lineup. "Honestly, it's the love of the game and the friends I make," she says.

Challenges and How They Beat Them

Barriers? You can imagine that they're definitely there. For our anonymous player, the biggest one has to be shoddy mobile internet connectivity. I don’t want to mention names because they’re all trash, but the notoriously sketchy network is after my life. Her solution? "Switching to a Wi-Fi connection helps most times."

Azrael struggled with game mechanics: “I just couldn't use SMGs because shotguns do more damage in esports rooms. I eventually overcame it by using shotguns instead.”

Primera points out something many Nigerian players may relate to: device and connectivity issues. “One of my biggest challenges has been using a bad device, plus connectivity issues. [I can’t get a new one right away], and it limits my performance a lot, but I’ve pushed through and managed to keep playing regardless of the setbacks.”

Toluwanimi’s challenges were more complicated. “Balancing school, real-life responsibilities, gaming, and leading a team with inconsistent or unserious teammates hasn’t been easy. It takes patience and better planning to figure out priorities, and choosing teammates as dedicated as you.”

Tenten has a different story entirely: “Honestly? I can’t say I’ve faced any barriers yet.”

For our anonymous gamer, the answer is a stereotype many female gamers know all too well: “People assume a girl on the team is a liability. This idea that girls don’t know how to play has to go. Everyone learns. [I’ve overcome it by showing them that I can put my money where my mouth is in matchups.”.

Moments They're Proud Of

What has been your proudest gaming or esports achievement so far?

Anonymous:
“When I finally knew how to play the games properly. There's a small sense of accomplishment and joy in that.”

Azrael:
“It’s funny, but it has to be when I had up to two kills in a match. It might not sound like much, but considering the beasts in the game I was playing, it’s a lot!”

Toluwanimi:
“Leading my team, Pixies, to qualify for the Free Fire Ladies Championship in 2023, and winning the 2025 Free Fire Women’s Day Celebration Game sponsored by Carry1st. Those moments reminded me that hard work and belief in your team truly pay off.”

Primera:
“Reaching the finals of official Garena-hosted tournaments for ladies; that was a major milestone. Plus, having the opportunity to play with an Arab team on an EU server and making it to the finals there as well.”

Tenten:
“Yeah, same for me. It was when my team got to the finals. We were all proud of ourselves.”

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Communities That Made a Difference

One thing everyone agrees on: community support matters. We asked the ladies “What support systems or communities have helped you grow?”. Here’s how they responded:

Anonymous gamers credit online gaming communities as their growth space. Azrael shouts out “Outlaws Noobs,” a community that’s always supported her. Toluwanimi found growth as a Tribe Campus Leader at Achievers University. “It gave me community access and leadership experience. And Pixies, my team, they’re family,” she adds.

Primera, on the other hand, emphasizes the value of Nigerian daily scrims and friendships: “The community here has been huge for my growth.” Tenten credits her TikTok followers for helping her grow as a gamer.

Changes They Want for Women in Esports

These women gamers have clear visions for the future. But what exactly does that mean?

Toluwanimi wants more female-focused tournaments, visibility for women-led teams, mentorship programs, and safer online spaces. Azrael keeps it simple and direct: “[There just has to be] more female esports teams. That’s the [only] way forward.”

Primera agrees with this school of thought: “I wish to see equal opportunities for women, just like the male players have. Right now, female esports in Nigeria is practically non-existent, and that needs to change.”

Another anonymous player adds, “We need to stop stereotypes against women gamers. Everyone improves and deserves respect.”

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Advice for Other Female Gamers Starting Out

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The best system is one that pays it forward. We asked the female gamers, “any advice for young girls trying to break into esports?” and they all shared some real-talk advice:

• Toluwanimi says firmly: “Don’t wait to be invited. Take up space. Be consistent. Learn from others. You belong here.”
  
  
• An anonymous player adds: “Don’t take it too seriously. It's still just a game. Have fun, and don’t feed.”
  
  
• Tenten emphasizes belonging: “You don’t have to prove your worth because of your gender; just your skills, mindset, and love for gaming. Find allies. Mentor others. Build something good for the next girl.”
  
  
• Primera keeps it practical: “Have fun. Take your losses lightly. Every match teaches you something.”
  
  

The Real Game Changers

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What these women gamers have shared goes beyond gaming. It’s about redefining who belongs, breaking stereotypes, and creating new paths for others. They’re already leading tournaments, creating communities, and making history in Nigerian esports.

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If there's one takeaway here, it’s that esports isn't just about winning games. It's about friendship, building communities, and the courage to challenge what people expect.

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And Nigerian women aren’t just a statistic for today’s esports; instead, they're actively reshaping it. Keep an eye out, because these gamers and countless others like them are just getting started.

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