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Showing posts with the label Nigeria.

A New Era for Nigerian Scrabble: Building on a Legacy of Excellence

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The newly elected Nigerian Scrabble Federation President's official statement as he assumes office - Bright Idahosa  Over the years, Scrabble in Nigeria has evolved from a simple pastime into a celebrated sport that commands respect both nationally and internationally. This remarkable transformation did not happen overnight, it is the product of years of vision, dedication, and relentless effort from passionate individuals who have worked tirelessly to elevate the game we all love. Bright Idahosa NSF President  He further went on to appreciate the entire board:  At this moment, it is only fitting to recognize and appreciate everyone who has contributed to this inspiring journey: administrators, players, coaches, sponsors, and devoted enthusiasts. Your collective passion has built the strong foundation that today makes Nigeria a true powerhouse in the global Scrabble community. A special tribute goes to Engr. Toke Aka, the immediate past President of the Nigeria Scrabble F...

How Scrabble Shapes Nigerian Society Positively

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Scrabble is more than just a board game in Nigeria.  It is a tool that inspires learning, builds community, and raises national pride. Over the years, Nigeria has become one of the strongest Scrabble-playing nations in the world, producing world champions and nurturing some of the finest strategic minds. 1. Promoting Education and Literacy Scrabble encourages strong vocabulary skills and critical thinking. Many students who play Scrabble develop better spelling, reading comprehension, and quick reasoning. In several Nigerian schools, Scrabble is now part of co-curricular activities, helping young learners improve their English while having fun.  I remember meeting with Olatunde Oduwole (National Scrabble Champion 2016) a Gold Medalist 2022 NSFestival singles. This is a man of jam-packed vocabs you can never comprehend. His mastery in word placement and board controls coupled with his word power equals to nothing but what I call word-power-house. I will likely talk about him la...

Bangkok International Championship 2025 - The Crown Jewel of Asian Scrabble

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The global Scrabble spotlight is currently shining brightly on Bangkok, Thailand, as the Bangkok International Crossword Game Championship 2025 (also known as the Thailand International/King’s Cup) officially kicks off. This prestigious tournament, running from October 11 - 13, 2025, is taking place at Paradise Park in Bangkok, and it is one of the largest Scrabble events in the world attracting elite players and millions of enthusiasts from across the globe. This is a Tournament with Royal Prestige.  The Bangkok International Championship is Thailand’s flagship Scrabble event, historically supported by the Thai monarchy. The winner of the top division traditionally receives a royal trophy, a symbol of honor and excellence in the Scrabble world. First launched decades ago as the Brand’s Crossword Game King’s Cup, the event has grown into an international mind-sport spectacle and a platform for language learning and youth development. This year’s edition features top international p...

Lagos Unified Scrabble Meet Set for November 1st

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Scrabble lovers are in for an exciting time as the Lagos Unified Scrabble Meet is set to hold on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the Poolside Pavilion, Rowe Park Sport Centre, Alagomeji, Yaba. The event is rated by both NSF and PANASA wherein it promises to be a thrilling gathering of word warriors gearing players for the WESPAC in Ghane. What to Expect Star Prize: ₦150,000 Registration Fee: ₦10,000 Number of Games: 10 rounds Food, drinks, music, and even swimming will be available to make the day more fun-filled. Participation Only 50 players will be admitted into this exclusive meet-up, making it one of the most competitive Scrabble events in Lagos this year. For Registration & Payment Bank: Access Bank Account Number: 0067109082 Account Name: Olumide Oyejide Confirmation: Send payment receipt to 08145489813bon WhatsApp only. The Lagos Unified Scrabble Meet is about building connections, enjoying the Scrabble community, and gearing players for the WESPAC in Ghane. If you are ready...

Abdulmumin Jimoh wins the Lekki Scrabble Classics 2025

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Lekki Scrabble Classic 2025 Full Recap Jimoh Abdulmimim, Lekki Scrabble Classics Champ 2025 The Lekki Scrabble Classic (LSC) 2025 has officially concluded, delivering two days of elite Scrabble action in Lagos on September 27–28, 2025. With a combined prize pool of ₦4,750,000, this year’s edition cemented the LSC as one of Nigeria’s most prestigious and competitive tournaments. Last year (2024), the Lekki Scrabble Classic was won by Charles Tachie-Menson from Ghana.  Abdulmumin Jimoh wins the Lekki Scrabble Classics 2025 and took home ₦1,000,000 + the LSC trophy.  Premier Division Eligibility: Players rated 1300–2000 Prize Pool: ₦2,620,000 + ₦550,000 in Intermediate awards Top Prize: ₦1,000,000 Championship Division Eligibility: Nigeria Scrabble Federation-licensed players rated 0–1299 Prize Pool: ₦1,580,000 Top Prize: ₦400,000 There were also extra prizes given to prospective (u17) players, Veterans and female top players  The Premier division featured highest-rated pl...

How Playing Scrabble Improves Mental Health

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  Scrabble is more than a classic board game. It is a surprisingly powerful tool for boosting mental well-being. Whether you are playing casually with family or competitively at tournaments, scrabble provides a mental workout that benefits your brain and your mood. 1. Strengthens Cognitive Function Playing Scrabble involves recalling words, counting scores, and thinking strategically. This keeps your brain active, sharpens memory, and strengthens vocabulary. Research shows that such mentally stimulating games may delay cognitive decline as we age.  2. Reduces Stress and Anxiety Scrabble allows players to focus fully on the board and tiles, temporarily taking their minds off daily worries. This mindful engagement promotes calmness and reduces feelings of anxiety.  3. Encourages Social Interaction Sharing a Scrabble board brings people together. Whether it’s with friends, family, or fellow club members, these moments of connection boost mood and combat loneliness. 4. Builds...

Nigeria’s Top 10 WESPA Ratings September 2025

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Nigeria continues to be a powerhouse in the world of Scrabble, and the latest WESPA Nigeria ratings show just how dominant the country remains on the global stage. Updated on September 25, 2025, after the Fortune Town Invitational Tournament, these ratings highlight the very best wordsmiths representing the green and white. Here are Nigeria’s Top 10 Scrabble Players September 2025: Rank Player WESPA Rating 1 Wellington Jighere 2003 2 Eta Karo 1981 3 Dennis Ikekeregor 1980 4 Okiemute Tega 1980 5 Enoch Nwali 1978 6 Ezinore George 1968 7 Jimoh Abdulmumin 1961 8 Doko Oluwatimilehin 1961 9 Samson Okosagah 1958 10 Ayorinde Saidu 1945 Wellington Jighere stays at the top with a commanding 2003 rating.  These ratings reflect Nigeria’s remarkable consistency with several players rated above 1900, a mark that puts them among the world’s elite. You might be wondering why this matter? Nigeria’s dominance at the top level of Scrabble is not just about pride, it shapes the global game. With more ...

Problem Solving - The Creativity Booster in Scrabble

  To me, scrabble is not just about playing words, it is about solving puzzles. E very rack is a challenge, every board has a unique problem waiting for a clever solution. That's the way I see scrabble. Let us look at some of the key things herein. Thinking Outside the Box: Sometimes the perfect play is not obvious so you have to be creative. Scrabble trains you to find hooks, parallel plays, and surprise moves that no one else sees. Yesterday I had an elementary rack (ONESSOT) but couldn't find the word to play until after my move I noticed the SOONEST because I didn't shuffle. It is important to shuffle your rack especially when you suspect a premium (bingo).  Strategic Adaptation: The board is always changing, so you must constantly adjust. This builds flexibility - a crucial skill for solving real-world challenges. Think and play fast Rack Management Mastery: Balancing vowels and consonants, setting up for bingos, and blocking your opponent are all mini-problems you sol...

YCT Grand Patron Scrabble Mega Jamz: The Ultimate Word Battle

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  THE STAGE IS SET! The countdown is over - it is time for the most anticipated Scrabble showdown of the year! On September 13th, 28 elite Scrabble players will storm the YABATECH Scrabble Club arena to compete in the YCT Grand Patron Scrabble Mega Jamz, an electrifying battle of wits, strategy, and vocabulary mastery. This event promises high-octane gameplay, nail-biting finishes, and a display of sheer mental agility as each player fights for supremacy, one tile at a time. Because this is mega jam that will prepare the club players for the  Lekki Scrabble Classic s lated for 27 - 28 of this September. 📅 Date: Saturday, September 13th 📍 Venue: YABATECH Scrabble Club ⏰ Time: 9:00 AM sharp Proudly Sponsored By: Mr. Femi Ayekun (Grand Patron) Whether you are a Scrabble enthusiast or a casual fan, this is your chance to witness intense competitive action, cheer for your favorites, and soak in the unforgettable atmosphere of the ultimate word battle. 📞 For Enquiries & Supp...

National Youth Games 2025: Young Stars Shine in Asaba

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The city of Asaba, D elta State is buzzing with energy as the 9th National Youth Games (NYG) unfolds from August 26 to September 6, 2025. This year’s edition hosted for the third consecutive time by Delta is setting new standards in youth sports, uniting over 6,000 athletes, coaches, and officials from across Nigeria. From athletics to swimming, gymnastics, football, and even Scrabble, the Games feature 37 sporting disciplines, making it one of the most diverse editions yet. The Stephen Keshi Stadium and other top facilities in Asaba are serving as arenas where future national champions are being discovered. Highlights Delta State , the defending champions, are aiming to keep their crown on home soil. Team Lagos swimmers made history with a record-breaking 19 gold medals in the pool. Edo State ’s gymnastics team dazzled with 6 golds and 3 silvers, announcing themselves as ones to watch. The National Youth Games also embrace tradition, with events like ayo, abula, Scrabble, and chess. ...

Malaysia Runs WYSC with AuPair DOS

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The 20th World Youth Scrabble Championship (WYSC) currently underway in Malaysia is not only a showcase of young wordsmith talent, but also a reminder of how trusted tournament technology continues to power the Scrabble world. Aupair sample At the heart of this global event lies AuPair DOS, the classic pairing and results software that has managed international Scrabble tournaments for decades. Despite its vintage, AuPair remains a reliable backbone for ensuring that matches are fairly paired, results are swiftly processed, and standings are accurately generated. Why AuPair DOS Still Matters Efficiency : The program runs seamlessly on modern systems through emulators like vDos, ensuring organizers avoid technical hitches during live tournaments. Accuracy : From Swiss draws to spread calculations, AuPair handles the mathematics of Scrabble competition with speed and precision. Tradition : Many top-rated Scrabble events including world championships still rely on AuPair because of its pr...

AUGUST CELEBRANTS UNITE IN SAPELE

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Sapele will be the hub of Scrabble excitement this Sunday, 31st August 2025, as the city hosts a special Scrabble Retreat dedicated to uniting August celebrants. This isn’t just a social gathering, it is a full Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF) rated retreat with competitive play and exciting rewards. Event Details Date: Sunday, 31st August 2025 Time: From 9:30 a.m. Venue: Sapele Scrabble Club, Delta State. Format: 10 Games (NSF Rated) CSW24 Grand Prize Band: ₦100,000 And a trophy 🏆  Celebrate with fellow August celebrants in a unique, community-driven retreat.  Network and bond with Scrabble enthusiasts across Delta and Benin. With 10 challenging games, a ₦100,000 prize band, and NSF rating points at stake, the event is set to attract players eager to celebrate, compete, and connect. 📌 Mark your calendar and be pa rt of this memorable Scrabble celebration!

Word Cup 2025

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The Word Cup 2025 was organized by the Collins Coalition (CoCo) in the US The Scrabble world converged in St. Louis, Missouri, from August 2 to 6, 2025, for one of the most prestigious tournaments of the year - Word Cup 2025, organized by the Collins Coalition (CoCo). With over 30 intense games, a $40,000+ prize pool, and world-class players battling it out, the event delivered top-tier competitive excitement. Venue: St. Louis Union Station Hotel Format: 31 main games + Early Bird event Lexicon: CSW24 (Collins Scrabble Words) Rules: WESPA Wellington Jigereh winner Word Cup 2025 🇳🇬 Wellington Jighere  Former World Champion, Nigeria’s finest once again showed his dominance on the global stage. Division 2 Winner: Bharath Balakrishnan A rising star who swept through the field with sharp plays and cool composure. Final Standings after round 31 Massive Cash Prizes: Over $40,000 in added sponsorship boosted the competition. International Flair: Players from across continents brought ene...