Nigeria’s Scrabble governing body has dedicated the country’s newest African championship success to Nigerians nationwide, while expressing appreciation to the National Sports Commission for supporting mind sports.

In an Oct. 26 statement signed by Secretary General Paul E. Amadi, the Nigeria Scrabble Federation said assistance from the NSC and members of the NSF board had played a major role in advancing the sport across the country.

The federation specifically praised NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko, Director General Bukola Olopade, as well as the commission’s directorate personnel and wider staff, for their commitment to the development of Scrabble in Nigeria.

Championship sweep in Monrovia

1. Nigeria sent a delegation of 20 players and five officials, headed by NSF President Bright Idahosa, from Lagos on Oct. 20.
2. The team competed at the 16th African Scrabble Championship in Monrovia, Liberia, which concluded on Oct. 25.
3. Abdulmumin Jimoh secured the individual championship, while George Ezinore finished as runner-up and Emmanuel Umujose claimed third position.
4. Nigeria also received the Best Country award after occupying each of the top three individual places.

The NSF said the Monrovia victory took Nigeria’s African Scrabble Championship record to 15 titles from 16 editions. Since the competition began in 1994, the federation said South Africa’s Trevor Hovelmeier remains the only player to interrupt Nigeria’s run, winning the title in 2002.