Nigeria Premier League

13th Pan African Scrabble Competition Holds In Ghana Next Year

The Pan African Scrabble Association (PANASA) announces that seven categories will compete in the 13th Pan African Scrabble Competition. Next year’s games in Ghana will take place from March 8 to 23.

This information was released following a Zoom meeting of the continental body’s PANASA Executive Committee over the weekend.

Each association can have a maximum of 4 male players and 4 female players; 3 players and 1 substitute, for a total of 8 players per association. The minimum number of players a federation can represent is 2.

Ghana, the host association can register a maximum of 32 players, 12 players with 4 substitutes and 12 players with 4 substitutes. The competing categories are men’s and women’s team events, men’s and women’s individual events, mixed teams, men’s and women’s doubles events.
No fewer than 35 countries are expected to take part in the African Games Scrabble competition.

The competition is judged by the Pan African Scrabble Association (PANASA), Fédérations et Associations Francophones de Scrabble, (FISF) and World English-Language Scrabble Players Association (WESPA).

Christie Ashley, Scribe Association of Scrabble of Ghana (SAG), disclosed that that all events in English and French will be decided during the games at the same venue.

Scrabble will make its first appearance at the African Games as a demonstration event. The 13th African Games will take place in Ghana from March 8th to 23rd, 2024.

This is the second time in history that the Games will be decentralized as three cities in the country will host the event.

The three cities selected for these functions were Accra, Kumasi and Cape Coast.

Nigeria Premier League

Ogunmodede reflects on Emo Stars’ win over Abia Warriors

Emo Stars technical adviser Daniel Ogunmodede admitted his side was fortunate to secure a 3-2 victory over Abia Warriors in Ikenne on Wednesday.

Abia Warriors took a 2-0 lead in the first half, with goals from Ayodele Eziekel and Anthony Ijoma. However, Emo Stars responded with three goals from Olamilekan Adebayo, Jabbar Malik, and Franck Mawuena to clinch the win.

Ogunmodede acknowledged that his team had underestimated their opponents but managed to turn things around. “The game was tense and shocking in the first half on our home ground. Not every time you will be lucky against a great team we played against,” he said in the post-match interview.

“We underestimated the qualities of our opponent, and we were punished for it. But luckily, we identified the problem and readjusted to get the victory.”

Emo Stars will now aim to build on this win as they continue their campaign

Nigeria Premier League

Kano Pillars eye maximum points in midweek showdown with Ikorodu City

Kano Pillars are determined to secure all three points in their upcoming fixture against Ikorodu City in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

The Sai Masu Gida will face Ikorodu City at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos on Wednesday.

Usman Abdallah’s side is upbeat and focused ahead of the match, with the players in high spirits.

“Done and dusted with the shake-ups ahead of our NPFL25 Matchday 21 clash against Ikorodu City this Wednesday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos,” Kano Pillars wrote on X.

“The boys are in high spirits and determined to secure maximum points as we aim to continue our impressive run this season.”

Kano Pillars currently sit in eighth place on the league table with 28 points.

Nigeria Premier League

Brown Ideye criticizes NPFL standards, calls for major improvements

Enyimba striker Brown Ideye has expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), stating that significant improvements are needed to elevate its standard.

Ideye, who rejoined the league in December 2024 after signing for Enyimba, has made appearances in both NPFL and CAF Confederation Cup matches, scoring two goals so far.

Sharing his thoughts following Enyimba’s 2-0 defeat to Kwara United in a rescheduled matchday 16 fixture in Ilorin, Ideye voiced concerns about the league’s challenges.

“The system is getting worse; the league is not improving. I feel like we have a long way to go,” Ideye remarked during an interview.

Despite enjoying his time at Enyimba, the former West Brom striker emphasized that much remains to be addressed in the league.

“My time at Enyimba has been wonderful, but there are a lot of things in the league that need improvement and haven’t changed yet,” he added.

On the poor performances of Nigerian clubs in CAF competitions, Ideye highlighted critical areas requiring attention.

“In terms of traveling, feeding, hotel accommodations, and player relaxation — it’s all bad. Nigerians are not ready for continental competitions. We need to put our house in order before going there, instead of embarrassing ourselves.”