NSF raises stakes as ASC 2026 Qualifiers holds in Asaba
..Automatic slots not guaranteed as 43 players make selection list
The Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF) has reduced the minimum eligibility requirement for players seeking to participate in the qualification process for the 2026 African Scrabble Championship (ASC) from 50 to 30 NSF-rated games.
The decision followed a review of the number of NSF-rated games played by players between January and August 2026.
The revised 30-game benchmark will now form the basis for the selection and invitation of players to the ASC 2026 qualifiers.
A total of 43 players have been listed in the selection pool, comprising eight automatic qualifiers, three approved home-based wildcard recipients and 30 players under provisional Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ) consideration.
All players on the selection list are required to participate in the qualifiers, including those who secured automatic slots through NSF rankings, female rankings or championship status, as well as players selected through Pan African Scrabble Association (PANASA) wildcard slots and those invited under the NSF wildcard and LCQ categories.
At the conclusion of the qualifiers, six additional players will be selected to complete Team Nigeria’s contingent for ASC 2026.
The qualifiers are scheduled for September 10 and 11, 2026, at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, Delta State, with players expected to contest 24 games beginning at 9:00 a.m. each day.
All listed players are required to confirm their availability with the Technical Director on or before Sunday, September 6. Players requiring official letters from the federation have also been advised to contact the Technical Director.
In a significant move, players who have already secured automatic qualification for Team Nigeria will still be required to prove their form at the qualifiers.
The NSF has set a minimum performance benchmark of 65 percent, meaning automatic qualifiers must record at least 16 wins from their 24 games to retain their places.
An automatically qualified player who fails to meet the required benchmark may have his or her slot reviewed or revoked.
The NSF Technical Committee also reserves the right to award the slot to the next eligible player if it is not satisfied with the performance of an automatic qualifier.
Among the eight players holding automatic qualification slots are Abdulmumin Jimoh, Ezinore George, Doko Oluwatimilehin, Bukumi Afolayan, Emmanuel Umujose, John Aiyedun, Larry Etuwa and Segun Durojaye.
The approved home-based wildcard slots have gone to Cyril Umebiye, Sophia Ekeruche and Prestige Archibong.
The provisional LCQ consideration list includes Hakeem Olaribigbe, Tega Okiemute, Precious Igali, David Ojih, Godwin Victor, Nwaeze Chuks, Dipo Akanbi, Ewruje James, Edéwor Bobor, Dokun Esan, Samuel Adebola, Olumide Oyejide, Wasiu Hassan, Moses Peter, Olatunde Adigun, Felix Igolukumo, Daystar Atti, Temitooyo Mayuku, Roseline Emelike, Adebisi Adekansi, Mbonu Olachi, Clinton Imode, Micheal Ogbonna, Hassan Olamide, Abdulqudus Olawale, Rex Ogbakpa, Imah Ufuoma, Ben Quickpen, Ogadangbe David and Passfine Chinkere.
With both automatic qualifiers and challengers required to take to the board, the Asaba qualifiers are set to provide a stern test of form, consistency and competitive readiness as Nigeria begins the final process of assembling its team for the continental championship.
The NSF has urged all concerned players to take note of the revised eligibility and performance requirements and make adequate preparations for the two-day qualification tournament.
