Nigeria has emerged as the overall champion of the 16th African Scrabble Championship in Monrovia, Liberia, after Abdulmumin Jimoh won the individual title and the country secured the Best Country award.
Jimoh led an all-Nigerian podium, finishing ahead of compatriots George Ezinore and Emmanuel Umujose in the four-day competition featuring 110 players.
He recorded 23 victories and a cumulative spread of 1,760 points to claim the continental crown. Ezinore, Nigeria’s reigning national champion, also secured 23 wins but finished second with a spread of 1,005 points, while Umujose placed third.
Jimoh’s victory followed a strong late comeback after a mixed start to the tournament. He ended the opening day in 12th position with five wins, climbed to third on day two and dropped to sixth on the third day before returning to contention.
A crucial victory over Larry Etuwa in round 31 strengthened his position at the top of the standings. Although he lost his final game to Ezinore, his accumulated spread proved decisive.
According to a statement by Kola Daniel, Special Assistant on Media to the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Jimoh’s performance demonstrated resilience throughout the championship.
His triumph means he succeeds his clubmate, Oluwatimilehin Doko, who won the title in Kigali two years ago. Doko endured a difficult outing in Monrovia after falling ill during the competition.
Nigeria’s success extended to the team standings, with the country winning the Best Country award ahead of Kenya and hosts Liberia.
Reacting to the achievement, President of the Nigeria Scrabble Federation, Bright Idahosa, praised the players for their performances and acknowledged the National Sports Commission’s support for the sport.
He said the results reflected the talent, commitment and competitive spirit of Nigerian Scrabble players.
Idahosa also commended the NSC chairman, Shehu Dikko, and its Director-General, Bukola Olopade, for their support during the tournament.
In the women’s category, Ghana’s Betty Kyeremateng emerged as the Best Female Player after recording 20 wins from 32 games.
Nigeria’s Sophia Ekeruche, recognised as the World’s Best Female Junior Player in 2025 and 2026, finished second in the women’s standings with 18 victories.
The Nigeria Scrabble Federation is expected to build on the achievement as it pursues further success at continental and international competitions.
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