LAGOS, NIGERIA: AUGUST 27th, 2024 – The Carry1st Africa Cup has been a spectacle since its announcement, captivating audiences across the continent. With the SA and Ghana regional finals already delivering thrilling matches, the Nigeria finals were anticipated to be no different. However, what unfolded exceeded all expectations, setting the stage for a memorable showdown. Here’s a breakdown of the action.

Nigeria Qualifiers Overview

Three teams—Rage Gaming, NATO Gaming, and Sierra7—entered the finals, having already endured intense competition. The semi-finals promised an exciting clash, where at least one team would face the daunting task of playing twice to secure their spot in the final.

Rage Gaming

• Team Members: Tony, Lion, Marshall, DaD, and Vector

Rage Gaming entered the finals as the top-seeded team, having dominated Group 1 with four wins in five rounds. They breezed through the playoffs, defeating Vanity Gaming and Complex Gaming with little resistance. Their final playoff match against Sierra7 was a fierce contest, marked by history between the teams—Sierra7’s Baileys had left Rage earlier in the year for better opportunities. The grudge match ended with Rage victorious, securing a 3-2 win that sent Sierra7 to the lower brackets.

Sierra7

• Team Members: Sage, Virus, Tipsy, Life, and Baileys

Sierra7 had a strong run, leading Group 5 into the playoffs. They defeated Deathly Crows Esports and Eclipse before their loss to Rage Gaming dropped them into the lower brackets. However, they bounced back with a 3-1 victory over UPAGAINSTHELL and a 3-0 sweep against ZERO REMORSE, earning a second chance in the finals.

NATO Gaming

• Team Members: Rvzmo, X, Time, Zephyr, and Bushido

NATO Gaming topped Group 2 with ease, despite a minor setback against Complex Gaming. They continued their winning streak in the playoffs, eliminating Apex and ODOGWUS in 3-0 sweeps before sending ZERO REMORSE to the lower brackets.

The Finals

With Rage and NATO in the upper bracket, Sierra7 waited in the lower bracket, hoping for another shot at victory. The first final spot was decided in a match between Rage and NATO, with spectators and casters eager for a clash between two powerhouses. Rage Gaming dominated NATO, securing a 3-0 sweep to clinch the first final spot.

Sierra7 vs NATO Gaming

NATO had one last chance to make it to the final by defeating Sierra7. However, Sierra7, determined to redeem themselves, overpowered NATO with a 3-0 sweep, securing their place in the final showdown against Rage Gaming.

The Final Showdown: Rage Gaming vs Sierra7

The final was a nail-biting affair between the 1st seed Rage Gaming and the 5th seed Sierra7. Both teams fought fiercely, with the match going to a sudden death round after seven grueling games. In the end, Sierra7 emerged victorious with a 7-5 win in the Search and Destroy: Tunisia map, claiming the title of Nigeria Finals Champs.

Final Thoughts

Congratulations to Sierra7 for their incredible performance, earning them the title of Nigeria’s champions. They will now represent Nigeria at the grand stage alongside Cast Esports (South Africa) and Aura 233 (Ghana). With Egypt’s playoffs underway and those in Morocco and Kenya starting soon, the competition continues to heat up as teams vie for the ultimate prize.