Nigeria has emerged champion of the 16th African Scrabble Championship in Monrovia, Liberia, after Abdulmumin Jimoh clinched the individual title to lead an all-Nigerian podium.
The Nigerian team also won the Best Country award, finishing ahead of Kenya and hosts Liberia at the continental competition.
Jimoh topped the 110-player field with 23 victories and a cumulative spread of 1,760 points, while reigning Nigerian national champion George Ezinore, who also recorded 23 wins, finished second with 1,005 points.
Another Nigerian, Emmanuel Umujose, completed the podium in third place, underlining the country’s dominance at the four-day championship.
Jimoh’s victory followed a determined comeback after he finished the opening day in 12th position with five wins. He climbed to third on the second day before dropping to sixth on day three.
However, a late surge restored his title ambitions, with a crucial victory over Larry Etuwa in round 31 strengthening his position at the top of the standings.
Although Jimoh lost his final game to Ezinore, his superior cumulative spread secured the continental crown.
His triumph continues Nigeria’s impressive record in African Scrabble and sees him succeed his clubmate, Oluwatimilehin Doko, who won the championship in Kigali two years ago.
Doko, however, endured a difficult outing in Monrovia after falling ill during the competition.
Reacting to the achievement, the President of the Nigeria Scrabble Federation, Engineer Bright Idahosa, commended the players for their determination and praised the National Sports Commission for supporting Nigerian sports.
Idahosa said the players’ performance reflected the talent and competitive spirit within the country.
“I commend our players and the Federation in general for the determination shown throughout this tourney and for flying Nigeria’s flag high on the continental stage. This achievement reflects the talent, commitment and competitive spirit within Nigerian Scrabble,” he said.
The federation president also expressed appreciation to the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and its Director-General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, for their support.
“I also sincerely appreciate the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and the Director-General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, for their support.
“The Director-General consistently called to enquire about our results, assess our progress and discuss the way forward. This demonstrates genuine passion and intentional leadership in Nigerian sports,” Idahosa added.
In the women’s category, Ghana’s Betty Kyeremateng emerged Best Female Player after recording 20 wins from 32 games.
Nigeria’s Sophia Ekeruche, recognised as the World’s Best Female Junior Player in 2025 and 2026, finished second in the women’s standings with 18 victories.
The latest triumph further strengthens Nigeria’s position in African Scrabble, with the Nigeria Scrabble Federation expected to sustain efforts to maintain the country’s competitive edge at continental and international competitions.