Anikoh Backs Nwali, Doko for Global Scrabble Dominance Ahead of Lekki Classics

Posted : 22 August 2026

President of Lekki Scrabble Club (LSC), Samuel Anikoh, believes Nigeria possesses a formidable trio capable of making a major impact on the global Scrabble stage, with Enoch Nwali and Timilehin Doko tipped to join reigning Lekki Scrabble Classics champion Abdulmumeen Jimoh among the world’s elite.

Anikoh made the assessment ahead of the 2026 Lekki Scrabble Classics, scheduled for September 26 and 27, while reflecting on the remarkable progress of Jimoh and the healthy rivalry that exists among the three leading players.

He described Jimoh as a role model for young Scrabble players, citing his discipline, humility and determination to improve as key qualities behind his recent success.

“The current champ is an example to a lot of young players. He is a diligent, disciplined and humble person with laser focus on becoming a better player every day,” Anikoh said.

According to the LSC president, Jimoh’s development has also been strengthened by his close competition with Nwali and Doko, with the trio continually challenging one another to raise their standards.

“Interestingly, he is part of the strong trio of musketeers, with Enoch Nwali and Timilehin Doko. The extraordinary way the trio have continued to push each other to be better is enviable, and I suspect they have the potential to dominate the world stage if they continue on the same trajectory,” he added.

Jimoh underlined his credentials at the 2025 Lekki Scrabble Classics, taking an early lead and maintaining his advantage through 18 gruelling games to claim the title.

His impressive run has continued with victories in several competitions, including the recent Governor Duoye Diri competition in Bayelsa, while he narrowly missed out on the African championship to his friend and fellow top player, Doko.

As the 2026 Classics draws closer, Anikoh expects Jimoh to return with the ambition of retaining his crown, but warned that the defending champion will face a stronger challenge this time around.

He noted that leading players from Nigeria and other parts of the world are expected to converge on Lekki, with the increased $1,000 top prize adding further incentive to an already competitive tournament.

Beyond the battle among established stars, the 2026 edition will also feature a new children’s section for players under 12, in line with the club’s commitment to nurturing young talents.

Anikoh said the initiative builds on Lekki Scrabble Club’s school Scrabble programme and is designed to expose children to competitive play at an early age.

He pointed to Jimoh’s own development as evidence of the advantage of starting young, expressing optimism that the initiative could help produce the next generation of Nigerian Scrabble champions.

With the defending champion facing a host of determined challengers and young players set to get their first taste of competitive action, the 2026 Lekki Scrabble Classics promises to be a major showcase of Nigeria’s growing strength in the sport.

Anikoh Backs Nwali, Doko for Global Scrabble Dominance Ahead of Lekki Classics

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