NSC Support Boosting Scrabble Development in Nigeria, Says Idahosa
Oru Leonard
President of the Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF), Bright Idahosa, has commended the National Sports Commission (NSC) for its increasing support for scrabble, describing the inclusion of the sport in the maiden National Intermediate Games in Lagos as a major milestone for talent development and grassroots sports growth in Nigeria.
Idahosa said the decision to feature scrabble in the youth-focused competition reflects the Commission’s commitment to expanding opportunities for athletes beyond conventional sports and promoting a more inclusive sporting culture.
According to him, the move provides a valuable platform for discovering and nurturing young talents while strengthening the sport’s presence across the country.
“The National Sports Commission deserves immense credit for recognising the value of scrabble and giving the sport a platform at the inaugural National Intermediate Games,” he said. “This is a significant step towards talent discovery and development, and it shows that the Commission is committed to creating opportunities for athletes across different sports.”
The NSF president expressed optimism that the renewed attention being given to scrabble would facilitate its return to the National Sports Festival, expected to hold in Enugu.
He noted that scrabble has consistently brought honour to Nigeria through medals and international achievements, adding that its inclusion in the country’s flagship sporting event would further enrich the festival.
Idahosa also praised the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, for what he described as visionary leadership and ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening Nigerian sports.
He lauded Olopade’s commitment to engaging stakeholders and ensuring equitable support for all sports, particularly those with proven records of international success.
According to him, the NSC leadership demonstrated its commitment to athletes by supporting Team Nigeria’s participation in the Causeway Championship in Thailand.
“We were delighted to see the Director General doing all within his power to ensure that all made their way to Thailand for the Causeway Championship. That level of support inspires athletes and administrators alike,” Idahosa stated.
The NSF boss further highlighted scrabble’s unique achievements, noting that the sport, alongside athletics, remains one of the few disciplines to have delivered senior world championship titles for Nigeria.
He called on government institutions and corporate organisations to invest more in the sport, stressing that sustained support would help Nigeria maintain its dominance on the global stage.
“When a sport consistently produces world champions, it deserves sustained support. We believe corporate organisations and government agencies should partner more closely with scrabble because the potential for continued international success is enormous,” he said.
Idahosa reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to collaborating with the National Sports Commission to expand participation, discover new talents, and consolidate Nigeria’s position as a global powerhouse in scrabble.
With growing institutional backing and renewed optimism within the federation, stakeholders believe Nigerian scrabble is poised for another phase of growth and international success.
