Adegbesan Warns Uganda, Kenya as Nigeria Targets 15th African Scrabble Crown

Posted : 10 October 2026

Nigeria’s quest to maintain its dominance in African Scrabble will face stern tests from Uganda and Kenya, but Pan African Scrabble Association (PANASA) President Adekoyejo Adegbesan believes the reigning champions have enough depth to defend their title.

Adegbesan, popularly known as Sheikh, expressed confidence in Nigeria’s prospects ahead of the 16th African Scrabble Championship, scheduled for October 22 to 25 in Monrovia, Liberia.

Nigeria has won 14 of the previous 15 editions of the continental championship, establishing an impressive record that Adegbesan believes can withstand the challenge from emerging rivals.

Although he acknowledged that the relocation of several Nigerian players abroad had affected the country’s playing pool, the PANASA president maintained that sufficient quality remained to sustain its dominance.

“From what I see here today, even though we've lost a lot of our players who have relocated outside the country, I still think we have enough to win in Africa,” he said.

Adegbesan, however, identified Uganda and Kenya as the principal threats to Nigeria’s ambition, warning against underestimating their competitive strength.

“I'll put on my non-partisan hat here and say other countries too. Uganda are good as well. Kenya also would participate and would compete.

“I think it's between those three countries, but Nigeria will still have more than enough to retain their title,” he added.

Beyond the competitive outlook, Adegbesan expressed optimism about Liberia’s readiness to host the championship, citing the support of the country’s Ministry of Sports for the national Scrabble association.

He said the ministry had demonstrated its commitment through assistance with preparations, including efforts to redesign the championship banner and support tournament organization.

“Liberia is ready to host, and I think we'll have the best tournament yet,” he declared.

Adegbesan’s confidence is backed by his longstanding involvement in Scrabble, dating to the 1990s. He is also chairman of Gateway Scrabble Club in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, and immediate past chairman of the Ogun State Scrabble Association.

Meanwhile, PANASA has created an additional entry window for players who missed selection or qualification through their respective national Scrabble associations and federations.

In a statement dated October 9, the continental body said interested players could apply through the additional entry category, provided their applications were processed and endorsed by their national associations or federations.

PANASA clarified that individual registration would not be permitted under the arrangement, insisting that all applications must receive approval from the relevant national body.

The registration fee has been fixed at 300 dollars per player, the same rate applicable to diaspora participants.

The association urged national bodies to notify eligible players and facilitate their participation in the competition.

The additional entry arrangement offers another opportunity for players seeking to compete at the continental championship, which will assemble some of Africa’s leading Scrabble talents in Monrovia.

As the October 22–25 tournament approaches, Nigeria will seek to extend its remarkable continental record, while Uganda and Kenya prepare to challenge the reigning champions for supremacy.

Adegbesan Warns Uganda, Kenya as Nigeria Targets 15th African Scrabble Crown

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