The Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF) has thanked the National Sports Commission (NSC) for helping the national team keep its African title. They also called on businesses to invest in the sport.
The Nigerian team came back on Monday after winning the 16th African Scrabble Championship in Monrovia, Liberia. Nigeria won the Best Country award, and Abdulmumin Jimoh was named individual champion.
Nigeria had an all-Nigerian finish on the podium. George Ezinore took second place, while Emmanuel Umujose came third in the competition.
After the team returned, NSF President Bright Idahosa praised the commission's support and the federation’s hard work for helping the players win another title.
He said the federation has been putting in time and effort to promote Nigerian Scrabble globally. He added that help from the government and businesses would keep Nigeria at the top.
"We have a team that is working. You see the number of people who went to represent the country. All the tickets were bought by the NSC," Idahosa said.
He pointed out that if the government and private businesses work together, it could help grow the sport. He stated, "The only issue we have in our struggle is not getting the corporate end to it."
Idahosa asked Nigerians and businesses to support young players. He highlighted 15-year-old Sophia Ekeruche, who represented Nigeria at the championship.
He believes that helping talents from school competitions move up to elite levels would ensure Nigeria keeps its success in Scrabble.
Ekeruche finished second among women with 18 wins, while Ghana’s Betty Kyeremateng won the Best Female Player award with 20 wins out of 32 games.
Jimoh mentioned that the team prepared well for the championship, even though they traveled straight from camp to Liberia.
"The coach has made sure that we stay in our best shape for the tournament, and that is exactly why we came home with the trophies," he said.
He named Kenya as Nigeria’s biggest rival in Africa but is confident that Nigeria will remain strong in the sport.
National team coach Prince Sir Anthony Colum also thanked the government for its support. He said the players had a smoother travel experience than before.
He noted that the team worked on their weaknesses and improved their play, which helped them succeed. Colum also praised Ekeruche, calling her a bright talent who started at the youth games. He said she was used as a joker during the championship and helped clear the way for the senior players.
The coach added that the team would keep working to improve. The federation hopes to develop more young players who can compete well internationally.
Nigeria’s latest win shows its continued strength in African Scrabble, as the country has won the continental title 15 times out of 16 editions.
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