Scrabble president Engineer Toke Aka unveils busy schedule for 2025

By Olaolu Joseph

It is set to be a busy year for Nigeria in the game of Scrabble as the country is scheduled to participate in various tournaments both internationally and locally.

This was revealed by the President of the Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF), Engineer Toke Aka, during his review of the just-concluded year 2024 and a preview of 2025.

“We thank God for a wonderful festive season and for the growth of the mind game this year. We are committed to continuing this development in the coming years,” he stated.

He acknowledged that there were challenges in 2024, but noted that they are being addressed, with some still in progress.

“We are grateful to God for the successes recorded during the African Scrabble Championship in Kigali, Rwanda,” the NSF President said.

At the African Scrabble Championship, Team Nigeria took top honors in all categories, including the Side-Event, and the NSF successfully activated all its programs for 2024.

Notably, for the first time in history, Nigeria, represented by Abdulqudus Olawale Aliu and Sufyan Boluwatife Olojoku, participated in the World Youth Scrabble Championship in Sri Lanka. Abdulqudus finished among the top 25 in a field of over 130 participants, with Sufyan among the top 30.

This feat was made possible with the support of the Kwara State Government, which funded the trip after the Sports Ministry, led by Senator John Enoh, declined to support the Federation.

Engineer Aka also encouraged scrabble players, sports officials, and other stakeholders to avoid behaviors that could deter sponsors and supporters from adding value to the sport. He stressed the importance of upholding values that foster peace and unity within the sporting community.

The year 2025 is packed with six major international competitions that Team Nigeria is obliged to attend. These include:

1. World Youth Scrabble Championship in Australia

2. African Youth Scrabble Championship in Nairobi, Kenya

3. PANASA President Cup

4. West African Scrabble Championship

5. MGI World Team Championship in Accra, Ghana

6. World English Scrabble Players Association Championship in Accra, Ghana

The NSF President said the Federation will also focus on expanding the reach of Scrabble domestically through the initiative tagged “Take Scrabble to Schools” and encourage greater female participation in the sport.

The local events lined up for 2025 include:

Scrabble FestivalSouth-South Closed

National Sports Festival

Words and Wits Best of the Best

Emmanuel Egbele Annual Scrabble Tournament

5th Douye Diri National Open

All Nigeria Amazons Championship

National Youth Games

South-South National OpenMore competitions may be added to the domestic calendar as the year progresses.

Engineer Aka explained that the Federation will work closely with the National Sports Commission (NSC) to deliver on its mandate.

“We will continue to seek support from corporate bodies as well as well-meaning individuals with a passion for Scrabble,” he added.