For Nigerian Millennials, growing up in the 90s and early 2000s meant a perfect blend of outdoor fun, creative street games, and the dawn of digital entertainment.

Whether it was playing in the streets after school or on family game nights, these iconic games became a part of our childhood memories. Here are five games that every Nigerian Millennial can relate to!

Ten-Ten

Ten-Ten is undoubtedly one of the most iconic games for Nigerian kids. Played mostly on the streets, in schools, or during long holidays, this game involved a group of friends or kids standing in a circle, with one person calling out a number.

The other players would have to quickly say a corresponding word that either rhymed with the number or was related to it. The faster the responses, the more intense the game got. It was all about speed, creativity, and not making a mistake. No matter where you were, if you heard the call for Ten-Ten, you knew it was time to play!

Ayo (or Ayo Olopon)

Ayo is a traditional Nigerian game with deep cultural roots, especially among the Yoruba. Often played with seeds or pebbles on a wooden board, the game involved two players trying to capture each other’s seeds by moving them strategically around the board.

The game required both patience and sharp thinking, making it perfect for spending long afternoons with friends or family. Ayo Olopon wasn’t just a game—it was a way to connect with Nigerian heritage and culture while sharpening your mind.

Snake and Ladders

Snake and Ladders was another game that found its way into nearly every Nigerian home. Easy to play with just a board and dice, the game offered hours of fun and excitement.

Players would take turns rolling the dice and moving their markers along the board, hoping to avoid the snakes that would send them sliding backward. The tension of climbing ladders to get ahead and the dread of landing on a snake made for an entertaining time, often with families gathered around for a friendly yet competitive match.

Suwe (or “Suweh”)

Suwe, also known as “Suweh” in some regions, was a popular game among Nigerian children, especially in the 90s. Played on the ground with chalk or stones, it involved drawing boxes and hopping from one box to the next while avoiding stepping on the lines.

The game required a lot of balance and coordination, and the thrill of making it through without stepping out was a true test of skill. It was commonly played on quiet streets or in schoolyards, and the rules might vary slightly depending on where you played, but the fun was always the same.

Temple Run (Mobile)

As smartphones became more accessible, mobile gaming quickly became a major part of Nigerian Millennial childhoods. Temple Run was one of the most popular games to hit the mobile scene.

The game’s premise was simple: run as far as you could, collecting coins, jumping over obstacles, and avoiding traps while being chased by a terrifying monkey. The adrenaline rush of trying to outrun the monkey made this game a must-play, especially on long car rides or during breaks from school. It kept us hooked for hours and was a key part of the digital gaming culture that defined the late 2000s.