NSF picks 21 for West Africa Scrabble Championship

[FILES] Scrabble board. Photo; DAILYMAIL

The Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF) has named a 21-man strong team for the second West African Scrabble Championship (WASC) holding in Lagos at Novatel Hotel, Lekki, from November 22 to 26, 2023.

In the list released by NSF’s technical director, John Curtis, are the winner of the Inaugural PANASA President’s Cup Championship, Godwin Victor; former world champion and two-time king of Africa, Wellington Jighere and Enoch Nwali.

Four other champions also made the roaster. They’re Nsikak Etim of Shell Scrabble Club of Port Harcourt, Moses Peter of Uyo SC, Rex Ogbakpa of Sapele SC and two-time king of Africa, Dennis Ikekeregor, from Sapele SC.

The defending champion, Eta Karo, leads the three players from Warri Scrabble Club in Team Nigeria. Others are Emmanuel Umujose and Godwin, as well as Doko Oluwatimilehin, a final year pharmacy student of the University of Lagos.

The West African contingent from Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone and The Gambia will also contend with Hakeem Olaribigbe, Jimoh Abdulmumin, a gold medalist at the 21st National Sports Festival in Asaba, Delta State, Chukwudi Ehibudu and Anthony Odok, who won the 2023 MGI Patrons Cup 2023.

Tuoye Mayuku fresh from the WESPA Championship in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA and Bukunmi Afolayan are the two female scrabble amazons, expected to show their dexterity in the West African tourney.

According to Curtis, the inclusion of Mayuku, multi-talented Bukunmi Afolayan, Adeyemi Adeosun, Emmanuel Umujose and George Ezinore was based on NSF’s wild card policy for talented players.Winners in the individual events will share from the tournament’s $12,000 prize money.

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