Jimoh Claims Lekki Scrabble Classics Premier Title As Afolayan Wins Championship Division
A new winner of the Lekki Scrabble Classics has emerged as Abdulmumin Jimoh strode through the field to clinch the one million naira cash prize-money and a trophy in the Premier Division while Bukunmi Afolayan picked the Championship title at the end of the 2-day championship over the weekend.
Both winners engraved their names on their respective trophies in Round 17 with a game to spare.
Jimoh sustained his push for the title and averted the ‘Day One Champion’ curse where a leader fail to continue his run as he maintained his focus and confidence on Table One where he played mostly.
He ramped up the title with 14 wins, 4 defeats and +1569 ahead of John Ayedun (12-6, +820), David Ojih (12-6, +475), Larry Etuwa ( (12-6, +421) and Khaleel Adedeji ( (12-6, +217) in the top five.
His devastating form in recent times has propelled him to top podium finish at the Bubble International Scrabble Tournament and the National Sports Festival where he represented Ogun State.
‘I’m quite excited with this victory at Lekki Scrabble Classics 2025. It was a tough tournament but hard work and continuous training played a key role.
I want to appreciate Cyril Umebiye who is my best captain ever and the Ogun State Scrabble family.
This tournament is one of the toughest having to compete with players from different countries. I commend Lekki Scrabble Club for giving us one of the best tournaments in Africa.’
Rave of the moment and Best World Best Youth Female Player Sophia Ekeruche rattled the Championship Division with her dexterity on the board but the more experienced Bukunmi Afolayan halted her run as she finished second with 13½ points and a +1239 cumulative points.
The Ogun State based Amazon claimed the coveted title with 16 wins and +1357.
One of the highlights of the tournament was the strong proposition presented by the youth players who created some buzz and unsettled the older players.
Lekki Scrabble Club President Samuel Anikoh in his closing remarks commended every participants as well as all sponsors on the successful conclusion of the tournament.
He stated that the Club’s direction is focused on developing the sport at the school level just like the way it supported some youth who have been successful at world level.
Loense International, Front-page Couture, Midasfarms, MGi, Elcrest E&P, Ayodele Thomas Consulting, Julyet Peters and AGPC have given their backing to this edition.
Various deserving players were presented with cash prizes and plaques at the colourful closing ceremony.
Players from Ghana, Uganda and United Kingdom participated at the annual scrabble showpiece.
Credit: Tayo Ogunseye
