President of the Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF), Bright Idahosa, says Nigeria is targeting a record-extending 15th title at the 16th Africa Scrabble Championship in Monrovia, Liberia.
Idahosa told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos that he is optimistic about the country’s chances ahead of the championship, scheduled for Oct. 22 to Oct. 25.
NAN reports that about 24 countries will converge in Monrovia, Liberia, for the biennial championship at the Sir Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex.
He said the competition will feature individual honours, while the Best-Playing country award will also be at stake.
Idahosa said Nigeria, the defending champion in both categories, will aim to sustain its dominance after Oluwatimilehin Doko emerged as the highest-ranked player to win the individual title at the previous edition in Kigali, Rwanda, two years ago.
He said Nigeria has established itself as the continent’s dominant force in Scrabble, winning 14 of the 15 editions of the championship.
The country lost the title only once to South Africa.
Idahosa, buoyed by Nigeria’s recent performances on the international stage, said the team had what it takes to sustain its impressive record and return home with both titles.
“We are currently at the best level. We just need to sustain the level we are in because Nigeria is the best-playing nation in the world,” he said.
Speaking on Nigeria’s record at the continental championship, Idahosa said the country was determined to extend its winning run.
“Speaking internationally, we have won 14 out of the 15 championships in Africa. We are looking for the 16th one, praying that we also win again.
“ Nigeria is not doing badly in Scrabble at all,” he said.
The NSF president’s optimism comes as the Nigerian contingent intensifies preparations for the continental competition.
He said the players are currently in a closed training camp in Umuahia, Abia, where they are fine-tuning their strategies and sharpening their skills ahead of the championship.
With some of Africa’s finest Scrabble players expected to compete in Monrovia, Nigeria will aim to reaffirm its continental supremacy by retaining the individual and Best-Playing country titles.
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