Togolese ex-international Emmanuel Adebayor wins gaming influencer award

By Lukman Olabiyi

The former African Footballer of the Year, Emmanuel Adebayor, has won the Gaming Influencer Award at the Africa Gaming Expo (AGE) 2025, currently taking place in Lagos.

The former Togolese international and Arsenal striker received the award yesterday during the ongoing three-day event, which is themed “Transforming the Gaming Sector with Artificial Intelligence and Fintech.”

Adebayor, who was named African Footballer of the Year in 2008, is the second recipient of this prestigious award, which was first presented to Nigerian football legend Austin Okocha at the inaugural edition of the expo.

The Chairman of the Federation of State Gaming Regulation of Nigeria, Bashir Are, said Adebayor was honoured with the prestigious award in recognition of his significant contributions to the growth and development of the gaming industry across Africa.

He said the award serves not only as a celebration of Adebayor’s impactful role in advancing the sector but also as an encouragement, motivating him to continue his efforts towards enhancing and innovating the gaming landscape in Africa.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who presented the award to Adebayor, also took the opportunity to announce his administration’s commitment to making Lagos the leading hub for digital gaming, fintech, and AI-driven creative industries in Africa.

In his keynote address, Sanwo-Olu emphasised the potential for collaboration between gaming, fintech, entertainment, and AI in shaping the future of Africa’s digital economy.

“Through progressive policies, strategic investments, and digital infrastructure, Lagos aims to create a collaborative ecosystem where game developers, fintech startups, content creators, and AI innovators can scale their ideas globally,” said the governor.

Sanwo-Olu also underscored the importance of the Africa Gaming Expo as a vital platform for exploring how AI can improve efficiency, security, and inclusivity in gaming, fintech, and entertainment. He noted that the event is not just an exhibition but a launchpad for new ideas, partnerships, and innovations that will drive Africa’s digital transformation.