NSC Receives African Scrable Champions, Pledges More Support
Oru Leonard
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has reaffirmed its commitment to the development of scrabble in Nigeria, following the outstanding performance of the national team at the 16th African Scrabble Championship in Monrovia, Liberia.
The Director General of the Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, gave the assurance while receiving the victorious Nigerian team, which emerged overall champion of the continental competition.
Olopade attributed the team’s remarkable achievement to the purposeful leadership of the President of the Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF), Engr. Bright Idahosa, commending his dedication to promoting the sport and positioning Nigeria as a dominant force in Africa.
He described Idahosa’s commitment to scrabble development as exceptional, noting that his leadership had continued to produce positive results for the country.
“Your passion as a scrabble leader in this country is second to none. As President of the Nigeria Scrabble Federation, you have continued to demonstrate true leadership. At the NSC, we have absolute respect for you and everything you are doing for the country,” Olopade said.
Speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, the DG congratulated the players for consistently bringing honour to Nigeria at international competitions.
He stressed that the Commission was determined to expand the frontiers of scrabble through sustained investment, grassroots development and wider participation across the country.
As part of the proposed development drive, Olopade disclosed that the NSC was prepared to sponsor a major national scrabble championship in 2027, targeting approximately 5,000 children from different parts of the country, with particular emphasis on participants from Northern Nigeria.
He explained that the initiative would serve as a build-up to the 2027 African School Games, which Nigeria is scheduled to host in Abuja.
Nigeria’s impressive outing in Monrovia saw the country secure three major trophies, further reinforcing its position as a leading force in African scrabble.
Among the outstanding individual performers was Abdulmumin Jimoh, who clinched the Outstanding Individual Award, while Nigeria also claimed the Best Country Award.
The latest continental triumph further underscores the country’s growing strength in the sport and the importance of sustained institutional support to nurture emerging talents.
(Kola Daniel, S.A to Media, NSC,
November 6, 2026)
