The Cultural and Social Factors Shaping the Perception and Acceptability of Esports in Nigeria

Abstract

This thesis explores the cultural and social factors shaping the perception and acceptability of esports in Nigeria, a country at the intersection of rapid digital adoption and deeply rooted traditional values. While the global esports industry experiences exponential growth, Nigeria presents a complex envi-ronment where infrastructural challenges, collectivist social norms, and religious conservatism hinder the widespread legitimacy of esports as a viable profession or cultural practice. Using a mixed-methods research design, this study combines quantitative survey responses (n = 105) with qualitative interviews from key stakeholders, including gamers, parents, and community leaders. Descriptive and inferential analyses were used to assess patterns in perception, while thematic analysis provided contextual depth. Key findings indicate that although Nigerian youth exhibit a generally positive attitude toward esports—with 58% recognizing it as a legitimate sport—cultural scepticism and infrastructural barriers persist. Thematic insights highlight five dominant barriers to esports legitimacy: cultural resistance, eco-nomic limitations, generational divides, gender norms, and infrastructural deficits. However, the study also identifies emerging opportunities through Afropolitan identity negotiation, grassroots innovation, and increasing youth advocacy. By situating Nigerian esports within global frameworks such as Diffusion of Innovation Theory, Social Identity Theory, and Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions, this research contributes to the grow-ing body of literature on digital culture in the Global South. It offers practical recommendations for policymakers, educators, and industry stakeholders to foster a culturally adaptive and inclusive esports ecosystem in Nigeria.