Throwback: 7 Games We All Played as Kids

Childhood memories are often filled with the sounds of laughter, running feet, and the excitement of games played with friends.

Whether it was running around outdoors, challenging your friends in strategic board games, or engaging in the early days of mobile gaming, these games were a huge part of what made being a Nigerian kid so special. They weren’t just games, they were experiences that shaped our childhood memories and brought people together.

From the streets to the backyards, here are some classic games we all grew up playing in Nigeria:

Mummy and Daddy“Mummy and Daddy” was a favorite game for many of us who loved playing house. One person would take on the role of the “Mummy,” another would be the “Daddy,” and the rest of the group would play the children. 

With pretend chores, family responsibilities, and the drama of daily life, this game was both fun and educational. It helped us mimic real-world family dynamics, and who can forget the playful arguments and pretend solutions?

Hide and SeekChildren playing hide and seekWhether it was called “BojU BoJU” or simply “Hide and Seek,” this game was all about the excitement of hiding and seeking. One person would cover their eyes and count while the others ran to find the best hiding spots. The tension would build as the seeker got closer, and the thrill of finding the perfect spot or being the last one found was unbeatable.

SuweSuwe was a simple but exciting game that kept kids on their toes. A chalked grid was drawn on the ground, and players took turns hopping on one leg, trying to avoid touching the lines or falling off the grid. The goal was to reach the end of the grid and make it back without making a mistake. Suwe was all about balance, coordination, and timing.

I Call OnThis was a group game where one person would shout, “I call on,” followed by a description of someone in the group. For example, “I call on someone wearing blue” or “I call on someone with braids.” The person who matched the description had to race to the center, with everyone else trying to tag them. The fun came from how quickly you had to think and act!

Tinko TinkoTinko Tinko was a hand game that involved rhythmic clapping and chanting. Players would form a circle, and in turn, each person would clap while reciting a short rhyme or chant. The goal was to keep the rhythm going without making a mistake. It might sound simple, but it could be surprisingly difficult to stay in sync, especially when everyone was laughing and trying to distract each other.

Who is in the GardenThis classic game had kids guessing and running in circles! One person would ask, “Who is in the garden?” and the group would take turns offering funny or creative answers. The twist came when the person leading the game would reveal a riddle or a task that the responders had to solve or complete in a fun way. It was always filled with surprises and laughter.

Ten-TenTen-Ten was a fast-paced game where players would skip, jump, and count while trying not to miss a beat. The rules varied, but the general idea was to jump in and out of squares or boxes while counting to ten. It tested your speed, accuracy, and ability to think quickly. Whether played with chalk on the ground or simply in the sand, Ten-Ten was an energetic game that had everyone moving.