By Tayo Ogunseye
Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has commended the leadership of Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF) President, Engr. Bright Idahosa, following Nigeria’s impressive performance at the 16th African Scrabble Championship in Monrovia, Liberia.
Olopade gave the commendation while receiving the victorious Nigerian team, which emerged overall champion of the continental competition, winning three major trophies to further underline the country’s dominance in African scrabble.
Nigeria’s outstanding performance was highlighted by Abdulmumin Jimoh, who claimed the individual championship title, while the country also secured the Best Country award.
The NSC DG attributed the team’s success to Idahosa’s visionary leadership, describing his passion and commitment to the development of scrabble in Nigeria as exceptional.
“Your passion as a scrabble leader in this country is second to none. As President of the Nigeria Scrabble Federation, you have continued to demonstrate true leadership, and we at the NSC have absolute respect for you and all you are doing for the country,” Olopade said.
He also congratulated the players for their consistent performances on the international stage, assuring them of the Commission’s continued support.
“On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Chairman of the Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, I want to thank our players for always making Nigeria proud internationally. This is why we are determined and committed to further expanding the frontiers of scrabble in the country,” he added.
As part of efforts to deepen the sport’s grassroots development, Olopade disclosed that the Commission was prepared to sponsor a major national scrabble championship in 2027, with about 5,000 children expected to participate from across the country.
He explained that particular attention would be given to children from the northern part of Nigeria as part of a broader strategy to promote wider participation and identify emerging talents ahead of the 2027 African School Games, which Nigeria will host in Abuja.
Nigeria’s return with three major trophies from the African championship which further reinforces its position as one of continent’s leading scrabble nations and highlights the importance of sustained investment in grassroots development and talent discovery.
