Ogun State players who represented Nigeria at the 2024 African Scrabble Championship in Kigali, Rwanda have recorded highly impressive performance as Oluwatimilehin Doko emerged as the overall winner.
Doko became the youngest at 24 years to be the new bearer of the continent’s premier showpiece title when his new status was confirmed after he defeated Mumeen Jimoh; another Ogun State player 574-442 in round 31 to push his tally to an unassailable 24 wins.
The University of Lagos undergraduate would complete his climb to the peak of the chart with a record of 25 wins and 7 defeats with a massive 2244 cumulative points.
Jimoh also made the State’s efforts count as he finished fourth with 21 wins and 11 defeats.
Current African Youth Champion David Ojih who is another Ogun State youngster pulled his weight among the big guns in Africa to finish as the sixth best player in Africa with a 20-12 (907) result.
African Games gold medallist Adebisi Adekansi showed her prowess on the board as she claimed the first-runner up title behind another Nigerian Mayuku Tuoyo to underscore the strength of the Ogun State’s players at the biennial tournament.
Cyril Umebiye, Samuel Adebola and Olamide Oyejide are part Team Ogun who also featured at the championship.
Chairman of the State’s Scrabble Association Adekoyejo Adegbesan was also re-elected as the president of the Pan-African Scrabble Association.
Meanwhile, Ogun State Commissioner of Sports Development Wasiu Isiaka praised the players for their commanding performance especially with start of the 2024 National Sports Festival just about two months away.
“We are immensely proud of Timilehin and our talented representatives who are members of Team Ogun in the upcoming National Sports Festival, tagged the Gateway Games Ogun 2024.”
“Your triumphs inspire many across our State and demonstrate the potential that resides within our youth.”
“I would like to express my gratitude to the Chairman of the Ogun State Scrabble Association Adekoyejo Adegbesan, our dedicated coaches, and the Ogun State Sports Council for their unwavering support and commitment to nurturing our athletes.
“Additionally, we recognize the continuous efforts of His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, whose commitment to the development of sports in Ogun State has paved the way for our athletes to excel on national and international stages.”
“Once again, congratulations, Oluwatimilehin Doko! Your success is a proud moment for Ogun State, and we look forward to witnessing further achievements from you and Team Ogun in the future.” he said.
Credit: Tayo Ogunseye
