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Enoch Nwali On Cloud 9 After Winning 2023 Lekki Scrabble Classics

The tense muscles on Enoch Nwali’s face began to relax as they stretched into a smile, revealing a sigh of relief for the African champion as he confirmed his first-place position at the 2023 Lekki Scrabble Classics after a rigorous 18 rounds of games over two days.

Playing in the Nigerian circuit by any crowned champion in this game has shown that nothing is guaranteed as every player is capable of creating a devastating upset- the signature of the finicky game in Nigeria.

For Nwali who is the current African champion, the journey to the top was interestingly arduous despite having a dominating run, starting from the first day when he recorded a draw in round three against former African champion Moses Peter after 11 rounds.

His winning streak appeared to have ignited some flames as other top players took turns to challenge him on Table 1.

Former World Champion and two-time winner on the continent Wellington Jighere, Sunday Oshodi and Timi Doko all tried to remove him by out-pointing him as games were running out but failed.

Only Olatunde Adigun on 13 wins, who has found good ground in Lekki in the past succeeded twice but faltered on his third attempt in the crucial 18th round for Nwali to win the coveted title and a prize of N500,000 with an unassailable result of 14 wins, one draw and two defeats.

His impressive stats showed he played a total of 43 Bingos with an average of 2.4 per game while his opponents played 27 Bingos.

“I really don’t know what made me stand out, but I was very calm even when l was losing a few at the closing stages, I wasn’t scared. I just didn’t allow the loss to get to me. What I just did was to focus on the next game, and remain calm. Even when I knew I could have won the game against Adigun” he revealed.

Jighere came second with 13 wins same as Adigun, James Ewruje, Dayo Tayo and Oshodi following suit but with different cumulative points.

Unexpectedly, the LSC2023 organisers would surprise all by awarding spot prizes to the top three players in other categories.

In the intermediate, Dayo Tayo, Adowei Ebikeme, Akpojotor Ochuko and Curtis John all got rewarded as well as Priscilla Akhabue who got 100,000 naira as the Best Female.

Dickson Iyelih, Kuye Ademola, James Eteng and Eniola Ashaolu were also rewarded as top Open players.

Adowei who was the immediate past President of Lekki Scrabble Club Adowei showed he was truly at home as he shocked bookmakers to claim the Most Valuable Player.

Players were also presented with opportunities to win with monetary rewards in every round once they could meet different criteria set during the tournament.

LSC President Engr. Samuel Anikoh commended all participants as he extolled members for the success of the Classics.

“I feel honoured to be honest as the President of the club. It’s quite interesting that joining the club, I just felt I would play based on my childhood passion, but things just evolved, and I took up the mantle as the president. Under the leadership of Adowei Ebikeme, the former president he helped establish our tournament as a mainstay in Nigeria. “

“It’s been an exciting two days. Lots of players, lots of fun and I think worthy winners have emerged as well. Scrabble is an intellectual game and it’s also an interesting sport good for our youths especially children in schools.”

“We hope one day, players will be able to win as much as N10m as prize money because it’s such a game that offers so much for development. We want support,” he said.

He thanked the management of Ikoyi Club 1938 where the LSC was held for its support in making the second edition more memorable.

Over 90 players from Lagos, Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, Ogun, Rivers, Edo, Delta, Osun and Kwara states featured at the Classics.

Nigeria remains one of the strongest bases of Scrabble in the world and the best in Africa.

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Super Falcons Defender Chidimma Ogbuchi Signs 2 years Management Deal With TopPro

Super Falcons and Robo Queens defender Chidimma Ogbuchi has signed a 2-year deal with TopPro Sports Management Company.

While speaking during the sign-on event, the Chief Executive Officer of TopPro Management Company, Ms. Ojuolape Kosoko, welcome the hard-tackling defender to the stable of TopPro, who are renowned for their astuteness, professionalism and reputable global football networks, that has seen several players on his stable including Super Falcons Striker Folashade Ijamilusi, earning lucrative football deals across the globe.

Kosoko, in her address to Chidimma Ogbuchi and her team of minders led by Coach Emmanuel Osahon, advised the player to remain focused, disciplined and of course, passionate about the game, while adding that her company would give the player all the necessary supports for further growth and development.

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Cote d’Ivoire 2025: Zubairu bravely accepts the challenge of North Africans, South Africa

head coach of Flying Eagles, Aliyu Zubairu

 

The head coach of Flying Eagles, Aliyu Zubairu, has voiced his optimism following Thursday’s group stage draw for the Africa U20 Cup of Nations, which will take place in Cote d’Ivoire, 26th April – 18th May.

The Nigerian team finds itself in a demanding group alongside traditional powerhouses Morocco, Egypt, and South Africa, all of whom have a rich history in African youth football.

In his reaction to the draw, Coach Zubairu remarked: “It’s a very good draw. If a team truly aspires to reach the FIFA World Cup, there is no need to shy away from any opponent. Facing Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa at this stage presents a tremendous opportunity. I believe it’s a blessing.” This perspective not only highlights Zubairu’s confidence in his squad’s capabilities but also underscores his commitment to challenging his players against formidable rivals, which can ultimately foster their development and resilience.

Understanding the gravity of the situation, Coach Zubairu stressed the necessity of mental preparation as his team gears up for these high-stakes matches. He is keen on instilling a robust sense of self-belief within his players, emphasizing that they should approach every opponent with respect and seriousness.

 

“We need to dispel the notion that this is a ‘group of death,’” he said. “In African football, there are no small teams anymore. The key is to prepare very well. A lesser-known nation can surprise everyone if they come prepared.”

 

To ensure the team is adequately prepared for the task, the NFF has not only put the Flying Eagles in camp to resume training, with a 30-man squad, but has also organised a two-match tour of Cairo for the team to play the Egyptian U20 team at the end of this month. The friendly matches in Cairo have been scheduled for 25th and 27th February

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Cote d’Ivoire 2025: Flying Eagles up against Egypt, South Africa and Morocco

 

Seven-time champions Nigeria will battle it out with tough customers Egypt, South Africa and Morocco in the group phase of this year’s Africa U20 Cup of Nations, scheduled for Cote d’Ivoire 26th April – 18th May.

 

The Flying Eagles pipped host nation Egypt 1-0 in a group phase match at the last edition of the competition and must ensure a great start to their campaign in Cote d’Ivoire in order to build confidence for a gritty tournament. Nigeria finished third in Egypt two years ago.

 

Former Malian player Adama Coulibaly, who was an assistant at the draw conducted inside the CAF headquarters in Egypt on Thursday, said: “There is no doubt that the toughest group is the group B that has Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa and Morocco.”

 

Hosts Cote d’Ivoire will have to contend with DR Congo, Ghana, Tanzania and the yet-to-emerge representative team of Central Africa zone, in a five-team group A.

 

Cup-holders Senegal head group C, which also has Zambia and two debutants Kenya and Sierra Leone.

 

The two top-placed teams in each group, alongside the best two third-placed finishers in the three groups, will advance to the championship’s quarter finals.  

 

GROUP A: Cote d’Ivoire, UNNIFAC, DR Congo, Ghana, Tanzania

 

GROUP B: Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa, Morocco

 

 

GROUP C: Senegal, Zambia, Kenya, Sierra Leone

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