NSF lauds NSC as Scrabble Blueprint targets bigger growth, global dominance

NSF lauds NSC as Scrabble Blueprint targets bigger growth, global dominance

The Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF) has praised the National Sports Commission (NSC) for its leadership and sustained support, describing it as a major catalyst in accelerating the growth and global success of scrabble in the country.

NSF President, Engineer Bright Idahosa, spoke in Abuja after a technical and strategic meeting with the leadership of the NSC, led by Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General, Honourable Bukola Olopade.

According to Idahosa, the meeting produced a comprehensive blueprint that will guide scrabble development over the next 12 months and shape the sport’s long-term future in Nigeria.

He described the engagement as timely and strategic, noting that it has positioned the federation to align fully with the Renewed Hope Initiatives for Nigeria Sports Economy (RHINSE) of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“This meeting is not just timely, it opens a platform for us as a federation to key into the Renewed Hope Initiatives for Nigeria Sports Economy and make scrabble more economically rewarding,” Idahosa said.

The NSF president also acknowledged that the NSC’s support predates his administration, citing international competitions where Nigeria’s participation was backed by the commission.

“Even before I came in as President of NSF, the National Sports Commission has been supporting us — from our trips to Kenya for the African Youth Scrabble Championship, to Malaysia for the World Youth Championship, and the World Championship in Ghana,” he added.

Key areas highlighted during the meeting include the expansion of domestic competitions, wider grassroots engagement, and aggressive marketing and sponsorship drives aimed at strengthening the sport’s economic value.

Idahosa emphasized that working with sports administrators who understand the sector makes execution easier.

“When you work with leaders like Mallam Shehu Dikko and Honourable Bukola Olopade, who understand sports very deeply, it becomes easier to translate plans into reality,” he said.

Nigeria’s confidence going into the new phase is buoyed by outstanding performances on the international stage. Team Nigeria ended the 2025 season on a high note in Accra, winning the World English Scrabble Players Association Championship (WESPAC) Best Country award, finishing ahead of host Ghana and Kenya, and reclaiming the title from the United States.

The country’s youth players also shone brightly. At the African Youth Scrabble Championships in Kenya, Prestige Archibong won the U-19 title, while Sophia Ekeruche dominated the U-15 category without losing a single game.

Ekeruche later crowned her season by winning the Best Female Youth title at the World Youth Championship in Malaysia, where Abdulqudos Olawale Aliu finished second in the male category.

NSC leadership has expressed a strong desire to build on these successes heading into 2026 and beyond.

Looking ahead, Idahosa confirmed that the federation will give top priority to two major events this year: the World Youth Scrabble Championship in Kenya and the African Scrabble Championship in Monrovia, Liberia.

He concluded with a call for unity across the board, stressing that collective effort remains key to sustained dominance.

“All stakeholders must sing from the same songbook for Nigeria to stay as Africa and the world’s number one in the mind sport,” Idahosa said.