Ikolo Urges Nigerians to Celebrate, Support Scrabble Champions After African Triumph

… Says young Nigerian players are building a lasting global legacy
… Commends NSC leadership for supporting athletes, seeks more sponsorship and recognition

Oru Leonard 

National Scrabble Team Coach, Anthony Ikolo, has called on the Federal Government, corporate organisations and Nigerians to give greater recognition, encouragement and financial support to the country’s Scrabble players, whose performances continue to establish Nigeria as a leading force in the sport globally.

Ikolo made the appeal while celebrating Team Nigeria’s impressive outing at the 16th African Scrabble Championship in Monrovia, Liberia, where the country reinforced its dominance of the continental competition.

Nigeria’s Abdulmumin Jimoh emerged individual champion after recording 23 victories in 32 games, with a tournament-leading spread of +1,760, while compatriot George Ezinore finished second with 23 wins and a spread of +1,005.

The Nigerian contingent also clinched the Best Country award, finishing ahead of Kenya and host nation Liberia.

For Ikolo, who has spent 12 years developing and guiding Nigerian Scrabble players to continental and international competitions, the latest achievement reflects years of dedication, discipline, strategic preparation and investment in talent development.

He described the victory as part of Nigeria’s growing tradition of excellence in the sport, pointing to the remarkable performances of Nigerian players across different international competitions.

According to him, Enoch Nwali’s triumph in Lusaka, Zambia, Oluwatimilehin Doko’s success in Kigali, Rwanda, and Jimoh’s latest achievement in Monrovia demonstrate the depth of talent and consistency within the Nigerian Scrabble team.

The coach also singled out 16-year-old Sophia Ekeruche for special commendation, noting that her dominance of the world junior female category for two consecutive years represents the enormous potential of young Nigerian players.

He said the achievements were evidence that Nigeria was not only producing champions for the present but also developing a new generation capable of sustaining the country’s international reputation.

“Our players have continued to demonstrate that Nigeria is a major force in Scrabble, not just in Africa but across the world. What we are witnessing today is the outcome of years of hard work, discipline, commitment and deliberate efforts to develop these athletes,” Ikolo said.

He added that the successive accomplishments of Nwali, Doko and Jimoh showed that Nigerian success in the sport was not accidental but a reflection of sustained excellence.

On Ekeruche’s achievements, the Delta State-born coach described her performance as particularly inspiring, considering her age and consistency at the international level.

“Imagine a 16-year-old girl dominating the world in her category for two consecutive years. That tells you the quality of talent we have in this country. These young players are not just participating; they are setting standards and giving Nigeria a strong identity in international Scrabble,” he said.

Ikolo also commended the players and technical crew for their sacrifices, teamwork and commitment, stressing that international victories require extensive preparation and collective effort.

He further acknowledged the National Sports Commission (NSC), under the leadership of Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director-General Bukola Olopade, for what he described as encouraging efforts towards improving support for Nigerian athletes and strengthening sports development.

“The players deserve every commendation. They are the ones who sit at the board and fight for every point. The technical crew also deserves recognition for the planning, preparation and work that go into these performances.

“I must equally appreciate the National Sports Commission, led by Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director-General Bukola Olopade. Their efforts and support for Nigerian sports have been encouraging. We need an environment where athletes are motivated, recognised and provided with the necessary backing to continue winning for the country,” he stated.

However, beyond celebrating Nigeria’s latest continental success, Ikolo believes there is a need for more deliberate efforts to promote Scrabble and attract greater private-sector participation.

He appealed to government institutions, corporate organisations, sports administrators and individuals to invest in the sport, arguing that Nigerian Scrabble players deserve opportunities and incentives commensurate with the international recognition they continue to bring to the country.

“My appeal to Nigerians is simple: show this team some love. Show Scrabble some love. These players are making enormous sacrifices and bringing trophies, medals and international recognition to our country.

“While football and other popular sports naturally attract significant attention, we must also celebrate athletes excelling in other sporting disciplines. Scrabble is one area where Nigeria is not just participating; we are competing at the highest level and dominating.

“These athletes deserve encouragement, better opportunities, sponsorship and recognition. We cannot continue to celebrate their victories without making the necessary investments in their future,” he appealed.

With 12 years of experience in nurturing Nigerian Scrabble talents, Ikolo expressed optimism about the future of the sport, particularly with the emergence of younger players who are already making their mark on the continental and global stages.

He maintained that sustaining Nigeria’s position at the summit of international Scrabble would require more than celebrating victories, insisting that consistent institutional support, sponsorship, player welfare and investment in grassroots development were essential.

As Nigeria continues to produce continental and world-class champions, Ikolo’s message is clear: the country’s Scrabble stars deserve more than applause after every victory; they need sustained recognition, encouragement and investment to keep the Nigerian flag flying high.

(NSF Media, November 11, 2026)