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The Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF) has unveiled a new blueprint aimed at strengthening talent discovery and long-term development of scrabble across the country, following a strategic engagement with the National Sports Commission (NSC).
The framework was agreed at a technical and strategic meeting in Abuja between NSF leadership, led by its President, Engineer Bright Idahosa, and the NSC hierarchy headed by Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General, Honourable Bukola Olopade.
Idahosa said the blueprint, which will guide activities over the next 12 months, is designed to deepen grassroots participation, expand domestic competitions, and create a sustainable pipeline of young talents capable of maintaining Nigeria’s global dominance in the mind sport.
He noted that the plan aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiatives for Nigeria Sports Economy (RHINSE), with a strong focus on making scrabble more structured, inclusive, and economically rewarding.
According to the NSF president, the federation has continued to enjoy institutional backing from the NSC, including support for Nigeria’s participation in major international events such as the African Youth Scrabble Championship in Kenya, the World Youth Championship in Malaysia, and the World Scrabble Championship in Ghana.
He described the collaboration with the commission’s leadership as critical to effective execution, stressing that informed sports administration has made implementation of development plans more seamless.
Nigeria’s renewed push for talent discovery comes on the back of strong international performances.
Team Nigeria ended the 2025 season in Accra by winning the World English Scrabble Players Association Championship (WESPAC) Best Country Award, finishing ahead of Ghana and Kenya, and reclaiming the title from the United States.
The country’s youth players also recorded remarkable success, with Prestige Archibong winning the Under-19 title at the African Youth Scrabble Championships, while Sophia Ekeruche claimed the Under-15 title without losing a game. Ekeruche later emerged as Best Female Youth at the World Youth Championship in Malaysia, where Abdulqudos Olawale Aliu finished second in the male category.
The NSC has expressed readiness to build on these achievements as preparations intensify for future competitions.
Looking ahead, the NSF has identified the World Youth Scrabble Championship in Kenya and the African Scrabble Championship in Monrovia, Liberia, as priority events for the year.
Idahosa concluded by calling for collective commitment from all stakeholders, stressing that sustained collaboration remains essential for Nigeria to retain its status as Africa and the world’s leading scrabble nation.
