Niger State scrabble sensations make Nigeria proud at World Youth Championship

By Maxwell Kumoye

The Niger State Government has continued to demonstrate its commitment to the development of Scrabble and other emerging sports, as three young players and an official representing the state at the just-concluded World Youth Scrabble Championship in Nairobi, Kenya, came out with impressive results.

The three players supported by the Niger State Government for the global competition were Khalifa Bello Yakubu, who competed in the U-14 category; Saviour Oyare Onazi, U-12; and Salvation Agbenu Onazi, U-10.

The championship, which attracted 134 young players from different parts of the world, saw the Nigerian youngsters hold their own against some of the best young Scrabble players on the international stage.

Saviour Oyare Onazi and Salvation Agbenu Onazi both secured third-place finishes in their respective categories, giving Team Niger and Nigeria reason to celebrate their outstanding performances.

Saviour, who competed in the U-12 category, is the current Nigerian U-15 Champion and a former Wilfred Awosika Secondary School Scrabble Champion.

The players and the accompanying official, Patrick Onazi, expressed delight at their performances, describing the experience as a major boost to their development and an encouragement to continue pursuing excellence in the mind sport.

Onazi, who accompanied the team to Nairobi, praised the Niger State Government for making the international outing possible, saying the support demonstrated that the government understands the importance of investing in young talents.

“We are extremely grateful to the Niger State Government for supporting these young players to participate at the World Youth Scrabble Championship in Nairobi,” Onazi said.

“Taking young athletes to a world championship is not just about winning medals. It is about exposing them to the best in the world, giving them confidence and allowing them to understand what is required to compete at the highest level.

“The performances of Saviour and Salvation, who both finished third in their categories, are a clear indication that there is enormous talent in Niger State.

“Their success will have a positive effect on the development of Scrabble as a mind sport in the state and Nigeria as a whole.”

He further commended the Niger State Commissioner for Sport and Youth Development, Honourable Abubakar Abule, the Chairman of the State Sports Commission, Honourable Danjuma Abdul Masu, and the state government under the leadership of Governor Mohammed Umar Bago for their support.

“Governor Mohammed Umar Bago deserves commendation for creating an environment where young talents can receive the support they need to compete internationally. We also appreciate the Commissioner for Sport Development, Honourable Abubakar Abule, and the Chairman of the Sports Commission, Honourable Danjuma Abdul Masu, for their roles in ensuring that these players were able to represent Niger State on the world stage,” Onazi added.

According to him, the Nairobi experience would go beyond the medals won, as the young players would return home with valuable knowledge and experience capable of inspiring other children to take up Scrabble.

“The impact of this outing will be felt for a long time. These children have seen what is obtainable at the world level, and that experience will inspire them to work harder. It will also encourage other young people in Niger State to embrace Scrabble,” he said.

The team is now looking forward to the next edition of the World Youth Scrabble Championship, scheduled to take place in Thailand in 2027, with the players eager to build on their Nairobi experience and aim for even greater success.

The strong showing in Nairobi has once again highlighted the potential of Nigeria’s young Scrabble players while underlining the importance of sustained government support for less-publicised sports capable of bringing international recognition and honours to the country.