The finale of the Seals Cup eSports tournament was held at Trenchard Hall today, Saturday, 14th of June, 2025, at this year's Synergy '25 event.
The event which was organised by Ibadan Comic Con in conjunction with Nexal gaming, Oyo state ministry of youths and sports among a host of other sponsors had in attendance several Nigerian anime and comic book enthusiasts.
There were various side attractions with various Nigerian comic book companies and artists making an appearance in the exhibition. Audience were also encouraged to participate in various mini games and contests.
Awards were also given to artists and other personalities to recognize their contributions to the Nigerian comic book industry. Comic republic's Alexander Esene was awarded comic book artist of the year for his work on Chibok issue 2.
John Uche for his work on Celestial Eyes chapter 1 won Comic book writer of the year beating Olusegun Babawele with Fusion issue 1, Saint Verlane with Ecclesia issue 1 among other nominees to the prize. Cuisel Joshua Peach with Celestial Eyes 3 won Comic book letterer of the year beating Olusegun Babawele with Fusion issue 1, Michael olasubomi baligun for visionary issue 5.
The Comic book colorist of the year is Alexander Uoriwoh with Chibok issue 2 beating Levis Chah with Ireti issue 9 and Victor Akinneye with Vanguards issue 3 among others. John Uche was awarded emerging talent of the year, beating other writers, artists, letterers and colourists in the category.
Celestial eyes chapter 1 by The Machine Publishing won Comic book of the year, beating Ecclesia 1 by Scourge comics, Akili by VX comics, Chibok 2 by Comic Republic, and Alter ego by Symphoni studios. Comic Republic won the Comic book studio of the year award beating Symphoni studios, The Machine Publishing as well as Etta studios to the prize.
The Machine Publishing won Emerging studio of the year award over Comic arena, Etta studios and one other studio while Harrison prime, Ayodele Elegba among others were also awarded for innovation and general contributions to the comic industry.
Seals Cup eSports
The keenly contested eSports tournament had categories for chess, e football, Free fire, EAFC and Call of Duty Mobile. Nifemi Famoriyo from faculty of education won the finale of the Free fire tournament, while Emmanuel Giwa from the faculty of technology defeated his opponent from the faculty of science to take the first position in the Call of Duty Mobile tournament.
In the chess category, Akporherhe Blessing from the faculty of Clinical Sciences won first position, while Ebenezer Poba from Faculty of science won the e football category. The winners walked away with medals and various prizes.
