The Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF), at the weekend, said it has stepped up preparations for a successful defence of its title at the 2022 edition of the Africa Scrabble Championship holding in Zambia from October 21 to 24.
National team coach, Prince Tony Ikolo, told The Guardian that Nigeria, as defending champions, expect a tougher challenge to its crown this year, adding that top African nations have indicted desire to dethrone the country.
Ikolo said Nigeria’s success at the recent West Africa Scrabble Championship has lifted the players’ morale ahead of the African Championship. He added, however, that the players would not rest on their oars despite recent successes in both regional and continental competitions.
He said: “We are kicking off with the Abuja National Scrabble Open Tournament from September 24 to 25, which is part of preparations for the African Championship.
“The main selection process for the African Scrabble Championship will hold from October 1 to 4. The NSF is working hard to ensure the best players represent the country in Zambia.
“Going by the outstanding performance of the players at international and domestic competitions this year, it is certain Nigeria will excel at the championship. But this does not mean the players will not go through serious training and preparation to ensure Nigeria retains its title in Zambia.”
Ikolo pleaded for more corporate and individual sponsors to help develop the sport and ensure the country maintains its status as the best scrabble-playing nation in the world.
Nigeria became the first African nation to win the World English Language Speaking Scrabble Players Association Championship (WESPAC) when Wellington Jighere made history in Perth, Australia in 2015.
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