TECNO has brought artificial intelligence into the heart of football fandom, hosting a series of AFCON watch parties in Nigeria that blended live match viewing with interactive, AI-powered experiences.

The events, organised around Nigeria’s fixtures against Tanzania and Mozambique, turned traditional match nights into immersive fan gatherings that combined technology, lifestyle and youth culture.

The mobile technology brand said in a statement on Wednesday that the initiative was designed to demonstrate how AI can enhance entertainment and deepen fan participation, particularly among young audiences who already see football as a shared cultural experience.

Held in Lagos, the watch parties drew football fans, influencers and content creators, creating a social atmosphere that went beyond watching the game. At each venue, TECNO integrated ELLA, its artificial intelligence technology, into the experience, allowing fans to engage with football in new ways through predictions, trivia and personalised digital content.

The first event took place at VSP Lounge on Awolowo Road, Ikeja, during Nigeria’s group-stage match against Tanzania. Guests arrived ahead of kick-off to music, conversations and a growing sense of anticipation. A dedicated TECNO booth became a central attraction as attendees interacted with ELLA by predicting match outcomes, answering AI-driven football trivia and generating customised digital images.

One of the most popular features allowed fans to create visuals, placing themselves alongside Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen, turning fandom into a personalised digital moment. Participants who engaged with ELLA and made correct predictions received TECNO-branded merchandise, footballs and other giveaways, keeping activity around the booth lively throughout the match.

The momentum continued at a second watch party held at Cubana Night Club in Ikeja GRA for Nigeria’s quarter-final clash against Mozambique. The venue was transformed into a premium fan hub with large screens, curated lighting and a high-energy social setting. Once again, ELLA played a central role, enabling real-time predictions, AI-generated content and personalised digital keepsakes.

Across both events, TECNO combined technology with hospitality, offering guests cocktails, mocktails and curated food platters while live commentary and trivia sessions ran alongside the matches. As goals were scored, celebrations spread across the venues, reinforcing football’s role as a unifying social force.

TECNO said the watch parties highlighted the versatility of ELLA, showing how AI can move beyond productivity and into entertainment, community building and fan engagement. By integrating AI seamlessly into the viewing experience, the brand aimed to turn passive spectators into active participants.

The initiative also underscored TECNO’s broader strategy of aligning innovation with youth culture and everyday experiences. As the AFCON tournament continues, the company said it plans to host more immersive fan engagements, using ELLA to create interactive moments that extend beyond matchday.