Ogbonna defies pressure to retain crown at 5th Dynamite Opens in Lagos

Posted : 21 April 2026

The 5th edition of the Dynamite Opens Scrabble Tournament (DOST) made a resounding return in Lagos, with defending champion Michael Ogbonna overcoming stiff competition to retain his title in a fiercely contested finale.

Held at the Agege Local Government Area Secretariat, the tournament attracted over 100 participants across scrabble and spelling bee categories, bringing together elite players, rising talents, and students in what turned out to be a vibrant celebration of mind sports.

Ogbonna showcased remarkable consistency and mental strength, finishing with 14 wins, four losses, and a cumulative spread of +871 to secure the top prize of ₦300,000. His closest challenger, Kingsley Enyi, matched the win-loss record but fell short on spread with +814, settling for second place. Benjamin Onuh claimed third with 13 wins and a superior spread of +1327.

Reflecting on his triumph, Ogbonna described the victory as the fulfillment of a personal goal, dedicating the win to his late coach, Wale Joachim, while expressing gratitude to tournament convener Khaleel Adedeji for his continued support.

The event also featured a high-profile Celebrity Doubles exhibition, where top figures in the Nigerian scrabble scene teamed up to promote collaboration and mentorship. Notable participants included former national champion Femi Awowade, current national number one Abdulmumin Jimoh, and Lagos State Scrabble and Monopoly Association chairman Kamal Oyedunle, among others.

Beyond competition, the tournament placed strong emphasis on youth development. Students from various schools participated in both scrabble and spelling bee contests, receiving mentorship from experienced players on strategy, discipline, and creative thinking.

In the spelling bee segment, Lasisi Faizah of Heritage Global Academy stood out, claiming victory in both the oral and written categories, while Osas Omorowa of Multigrace College shared top honours in the written contest. Other standout performers included Ejimokun Oluwatise and Àdio Moshood, who finished second and third respectively.

The secondary school scrabble category also delivered exciting performances, with Okedairo Tomisin, Ajetunmobi Joel, and Alawode Emmanuel emerging as the top three in the male division. In the female category, Lasaki Toluwanimi led the standings ahead of Fatai Abidah and Usman Aminat after eight rounds.

Special recognitions saw Adebisi Adekansi named Best Female Player, Adedayo Sadiq as Best Under-rated Player, Obinna Njikonye winning the Best Non-rated category, and Awonusi Peter emerging Best Student.

Convener Khaleel Adedeji expressed deep satisfaction with the success of the tournament, describing the fifth edition as a significant milestone following a hiatus since 2022.

He highlighted the introduction of the Celebrity Doubles as a strategic move to reinforce the values of teamwork and community within the sport.

Adedeji also commended the support of the Agege Local Government Chairman, Abdul-Ganiu Vinod Obasa, alongside sponsors and partners whose contributions ensured the smooth delivery of what many participants described as a world-class event.

With its blend of elite competition, grassroots development, and innovative formats, the 5th Dynamite Opens has further cemented its place as a key fixture in Nigeria’s scrabble calendar.

The successful conclusion of the 5th Dynamite Opens underscores the growing importance of mind sports in fostering academic excellence and professional growth in Nigeria. By combining high-stakes competition for elite players with inclusive segments for students, the tournament has created a unique platform for mentorship and skill acquisition. As the event looks toward the future, it remains a vital catalyst for the development of the next generation of scrabble champions.

Ogbonna defies pressure to retain crown at 5th Dynamite Opens in Lagos

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