GR8 Tech welcomes Edward Smyshliaiev as the new Chief Technology Officer (CTO). The organizational change strengthens the company’s high-performance tech leadership and platform innovation.

With over two decades of experience in software engineering, AI, machine learning, and large-scale digital transformation, Edward has a proven track record of turning complex challenges into scalable solutions.

“Joining GR8 Tech at the present moment fills me with immense enthusiasm. I am really impressed by the company’s innovative mindset and its ability to see clearly into the future. I’m excited to work with the exceptional and gr8 team to redefine the limits of what is feasible and determined to provide unparalleled technological solutions that will empower our clients and disrupt the industry,” said Edward Smyshliaiev.

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As CTO, Edward will focus on building strong teams, streamlining development, and enhancing GR8 Tech’s architecture to support global growth. He’ll gradually take over key areas such as platform, information security, and technical governance, ensuring the platform delivers high value to partners.

Artur Ashyrov, who previously shared the roles of Deputy CEO and CTO, will now focus on operational leadership while continuing to drive technology forward through GR8 Tech’s internal Innovation Sprint—a company-wide initiative to boost tech-savviness and ignite a culture of innovation across teams.

“As I step into a broader strategic focus, I’m excited to support Edward in driving GR8 Tech’s product innovation from a leadership position rooted in tech. It’s a natural evolution for a company building the future of B2B platforms,” said Ashyrov.

Extended partnership announced ahead of next week’s Unity Cup tournament in London

Leading African sportsbook Bet9ja has renewed its support for the Nigeria national team ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Bet9ja collaborated with Nigerian Football Federation partners Sportdotcom for AFCON 2023 to launch the first ‘Let’s Do It Again’ campaign – in reference to the fact Nigeria are hunting for their fourth continental title.

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The partnership has now been extended for AFCON 2025 after Nigeria booked their place at the tournament, which kicks off in Morocco in December. The Super Eagles have been drawn alongside Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda in Group C of the tournament.

The announcement comes ahead of next week’s Unity Cup tournament, in which Nigeria, Ghana, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago will go head to head at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium. The tournament sees semi-final matches on May 27 and May 28, ahead of the final on May 31.

Bet9ja is Nigeria’s leading sportsbook and is powered by Logifuture, global leader in B2B operations providing state-of-the-art iGaming products and services.

Bet9ja chairman Kunle Soname said: “We’re proud to renew our support for the Super Eagles as they ramp up their preparations for another tilt at the AFCON title. After lifting the trophy in 1980, 1994 and 2013 we’re backing them to go all the way again – Let’s Do It Again for 2025!

“Football is a unifying force across Africa and our partnership reflects our deep commitment to the game, the fans, and the future of Nigerian sport. This renewed partnership is about more than just brand alignment – it’s about national pride and shared ambition.

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“By supporting the Super Eagles once again, Bet9ja aims to rally fans across Nigeria and beyond, reigniting the spirit of belief and unity that football brings to the nation.”

Toyosi Oyetunji, Senior Partner at Sportdotcom Limited, said: “At Sportdotcom, we are proud to once again partner with Bet9ja on the Let’s Do It Again campaign for the Super Eagles as they head to AFCON 2025 in Morocco. The buzz we created together during the last tournament was only the beginning. This time, we’re taking it to the next level – with more energy, more passion, and an unshakable belief in our team. As the Super Eagles chase a historic fourth title, we’re rallying Nigerians everywhere to dream big and stand united. Let’s Do It Again… Naija 4 the win!”

Wazdan, the leading gain-focused developer, is set to make its mark at the upcoming SiGMA Asia 2025 summit, taking place from 1^st to 4th June at the SMX Convention Center in Manila, Philippines.

The renowned iGaming gathering marks another key milestone in Wazdan’s strategic expansion across the continent, as the company continues to deliver tailored, high-performance gaming solutions under its signature Online gaining™ philosophy.

Visitors to Booth 2136 will be among the first to experience Wazdan’s latest wave of releases, including the eye-catching Sizzling Eggs™: Grand Platinum Edition and 36 Coins™: Grand Gold Edition, all of which showcase the studio’s hallmark blend of immersive gameplay, player-centric mechanics, and mobile-first design, firmly in line with the demands of Asian operators and their audiences.

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A focal point of the event will be the unveiling of Wazdan Multidrop, the studio’s new network promotion. Designed to boost player engagement and drive operator revenues, the seven-phase campaign features a total prize pool of €5,000 and reflects its ongoing commitment to building value-driven promotional tools that resonate across global markets.

To celebrate its presence at SiGMA Asia, Wazdan will also host a series of exclusive giveaways throughout the event. Attendees will have the chance to win coveted prizes, iPhone 16, AirPods, AirTags, and a selection of limited-edition Wazdan merchandise, adding an extra layer of excitement to an already action-packed summit.

Beyond the product showcasing and prizes, Wazdan views the summit as a key opportunity to strengthen regional partnerships and deepen its engagement with Asia’s thriving iGaming sector. The event’s growing prominence on the global calendar makes it a natural fit for Wazdan’s ambitions to lead the way in innovation and customer-focused growth across the continent.

Radka Bacheva, Head of Sales at Wazdan, said: “SiGMA Asia is a standout opportunity for us to engage with key players across the region and demonstrate the adaptability of our Online gaining™ philosophy. Our team is excited to showcase how our tailor-made solutions and proven game mechanics can elevate operator performance and player engagement in Asian markets.

“We look forward to insightful conversations, new connections, and sharing our vision for continued growth across the continent.”

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