TECNO Fuels AFCON Watch Parties with AI Technology

TECNO has brought artificial intelligence to the forefront of football fandom, hosting a series of AFCON watch parties in Nigeria that combined live match viewing with interactive, AI-driven experiences.

The events, centred on Nigeria’s matches against Tanzania and Mozambique, transformed regular game nights into immersive fan gatherings that blended technology, lifestyle, and youth culture.

In a statement on Wednesday, TECNO said the initiative aimed to show how AI can enhance entertainment and deepen fan engagement, particularly among young audiences who already see football as a shared cultural experience.

Held in Lagos, the watch parties attracted football fans, influencers, and content creators, creating a vibrant social atmosphere beyond simply watching the game. TECNO integrated ELLA, its AI technology, into the events, allowing fans to engage through match predictions, trivia, and personalised digital content.

The first event at VSP Lounge, Ikeja, during Nigeria’s group-stage match against Tanzania, featured music, conversations, and excitement ahead of kick-off. A TECNO booth became a key attraction, where attendees interacted with ELLA to predict match outcomes, answer AI-driven football trivia, and generate custom digital images. Fans could create visuals placing themselves alongside Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen, turning their fandom into a personalised digital experience. Those who engaged successfully with ELLA received TECNO-branded merchandise, footballs, and other giveaways, keeping the atmosphere lively throughout the match.

The second watch party at Cubana Night Club, Ikeja GRA, for Nigeria’s quarter-final against Mozambique, was transformed into a premium fan hub with large screens, curated lighting, and a high-energy social setting. ELLA again allowed real-time predictions, AI-generated content, and personalised digital keepsakes. Guests enjoyed cocktails, mocktails, and curated food platters, while live commentary and trivia kept excitement high. Goal celebrations spread across the venue, highlighting football’s unifying social power.

TECNO said the watch parties demonstrated ELLA’s versatility, showing that AI can extend beyond productivity into entertainment, community building, and fan engagement. By integrating AI into the viewing experience, the brand aimed to turn passive spectators into active participants.

The initiative also reflected TECNO’s broader strategy of combining innovation with youth culture and everyday experiences. As the AFCON tournament continues, the company plans more interactive fan engagements, using ELLA to create immersive, personalised moments beyond matchday.