Scrabble Gives Nigeria a Golden Year in 2025

Posted : 03 January 2026

In 2025, Nigerian Scrabble didn’t just grow—it soared.

Against all expectations, the nation’s word warriors delivered a season of triumphs stretching from local boards to global podiums, turning letters into legacy and proving that greatness isn’t limited to the football pitch.

It began with the future. In Kenya, Team Nigeria stormed the African Youth Scrabble Championships, announcing a new generation of champions. Sophia Ekereche ruled the U-15 category with poise and precision, while Prestige Archibong powered to U-19 glory.

The momentum carried to Malaysia, where Nigeria claimed the Best Female title through Sophia Ekereche at the World Youth Championship, and Abdulqudos Aliu narrowly missed the male crown. The message was clear: Nigeria’s pipeline is strong, fearless, and world-class.

Then came Accra and a statement for the ages. At the World English Scrabble Players Association Championship (WESPAC), Nigeria toppled the mighty United States to win the Best Country Award, with hosts Ghana and Kenya trailing behind—a change of guard on the global stage.

Individually, Oluwatimilehin Doko, Africa’s reigning champion, announced himself to the world by finishing fifth in his debut WESPAC appearance. Tega Okiemute and Abdulmumin Jimoh followed closely in sixth and seventh, while five Nigerians surged into the top 20. Captain Godwin Victor and Rex Ogbakpa led with distinction, highlighting Nigeria’s depth and dominance.

Behind the scenes, the green-and-white fingerprints were everywhere. Engineer Toke Aka, NSF President Bright Idahosa, and Coach Anthony Ikolo pulled the right strings, while flawless WESPAC organization bore the unmistakable Nigerian touch through Khaleel Adedeji, Hakeem Olayiwola Olaribigbe, and PANASA 001, Ogun-born Sheikh Adekoyejo Adegbesan.

Back home, excellence never slowed. George Ezinore claimed the most prestigious domestic title, while the newly formed Gateway Scrabble Club, stacked with world-class talent, swept the biggest club prize.

Ogun State emerged as Best State of 2025, powered by Gateway stars Doko, Jimoh, and Cyriel Umebiye—players who weren’t just kings at home but rulers of Africa and the world.

Nigeria’s Scrabble circuit buzzed relentlessly. The Emmanuel Egbele Annual Tournament, Lekki Scrabble Classics, Scrabble in the Jungle, Janet Adowei Memorial Classics, and the Governor Douye Diri National Championship kept boards hot and minds sharp all year long.

The numbers told their own story. Record-breaking attendance at the National Sports Festival and National Youth Games underlined the sport’s growing reach. Kwara State dominated the Youth Games, Niger State celebrated its first-ever gold, and at the National Sports Festival, powerhouses Ogun, Bayelsa, FCT, and Delta shared the spoils.

In a time when corporate support remains scarce, individuals stood tall: Engineer Gbenga Ojofeitimi, Engineer Toke Aka, Engineer Dipo Akanbi, Adekoyejo Adegbesan, Lovejoy Ogbuokiri Ezinna, Emmanuel Egbele, Ebikeme Adowei, Charles Uzamare, Dr. Musa Olasupo, and Samuel Anikoh—champions off the board who made victories possible on it.

The Governor of Kwara State, His Excellency Abdulrahaman Abdulrazaq, engraved his name in the Nigeria Scrabble circuit through his support for the sport.

And perhaps that is the most powerful line of all: where football, Nigeria’s most popular sport, stumbled, Scrabble delivered honours, glory, and global respect.

In 2025, Nigeria didn’t just play Scrabble—Nigeria spelled greatness, with the comprehensive support of the National Sports Commission.

It is also noteworthy that Nigeria’s sporting media were behind every tile and move on the Scrabble board throughout the past 12 months.

Scrabble Gives Nigeria a Golden Year in 2025

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