Football, gaming enthusiasts target Guinness World Record in Lagos

PES. Photo:pes-2017.en.uptodown.com

The sextet of Kolade Daniel, Fifehanmi Oladimeji, Emmanuel Awe, David Igbeneghu, Ifeanyi Iwelumo and Kingsley Banney, will from December 22 to 24, 2024, attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest time spent playing a PES/eFootball game.

Holding at Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), Lagos, the attempt to break the record for the longest PES/eFootball marathon will serve as an announcement of the opportunities that exist in the eSports space and also a way to see that football can be more than just a sport, but also a means of job creation and youth empowerment for passionate football fans, the promoters of the effort said.

Convener of the world record attempt, Daniel said: “We’re merging our love for football and our favorite football video game pastime in our record attempt.

“Both are no longer hobbies or leisurely activities for people, but in this part of the world, gaming is still growing in popularity as a career path,” he said.

Oladimeji, one of the gamers, said they used to be called lazy and unserious whenever they played football on the streets or played it on video game consoles.

“That narrative is slowly coming to an end and this attempt will also show the possibilities that exist for Nigerian gamers.”

Their attempt – and eventual success – will also pay tribute to local grassroots footballers.

Many fail to make it to the big stages and end up living through video games like PES/eFootball. This attempt is as much for them as it is for the future of eSports in Nigeria.

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