The story of Whot in Nigeria, from neighbourhoods to mobile phones

Whot has been part of Nigerian social life for generations. Though the exact origin of the game is tangled with many regional adaptations, by the mid-20th century Whot was widely played across households, schools and street corners, a quick social game needing only a small deck and a handful of friends.

How it travelled to Nigeria

Whot shares ancestry with early non-standard card decks and commercial “call” cards introduced in the 20th century. Its simplicity and versatility made it easy to adopt and adapt; local communities created house rules and special calls, which varied by town and even by family.

Local variations

As Whot spread, local players introduced special numbers for “pick” actions, suspension and so on. The WHOT (20) card was often used as a “wild” to demand shapes or numbers, a mechanic that remains central. Many players still remember specific calls or rituals that differ by region.

Naija Whot: preserving the play

Naija Whot aims to collect these house rules and offer a standardised rule set online. The goal: preserve the communal feel while offering consistent play for newcomers and veterans.