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Jacob Wins 4th Janet Adowei Scrabble Classics, Tourney Gains International Status

Janet Adowei Scrabble Classics

Ryan Jacob from Akwa Ibom state earned his stripes at the Janet Adowei Scrabble Classics where he became the fourth winner of the annual championship in Lagos.

Jacob who had five wins from seven rounds on Day One powered to a massive nine straight wins on the board to finish as the overall winner with 14 wins to confirm his first major victory after he defeated Olufemi Gbadebo from Ogun State in Round 17.

He won the cash prize of 500,000 naira.

Jacob showered appreciation on his state for the support in preparing him for the tournament.

” I was surprised by this victory! Firstly, I want to thank God for this success and secondly, my training programme being supported by the Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno.

This tournament wasn’t easy but it was just God’s grace and training that took me through. I also appreciate Engr. Adowei for using the anniversary of his mother to bring players together for a good tournament.”

Cyril Umebiye, Wasiu Hassan and Joseph Okere would finish in second, third and fourth position respectively as they also earned 300,000, 200,000 and 130,000 naira in the 74-player tournament.

Six other players in the top 10 also received cash prizes.

In other spot prizes, Abiola Oyinloye emerged as the best intermediate player while Emeka Idomele picked the best Open player title.

Adebisi Adekansi played her way to the top as the best female player.

Some players also got some cash prizes and gifts through a raffle draw with Othman Abdulaziz from Kaduna going home with a complete set of board.

The fourth installment assumed an international status with the participation of Dorothy Nalutaaya from Uganda.

Incidentally, the JAMSC would be her first tournament in Nigeria.

Instituted by Engr. Ebikeme Adowei in honour of his mother, the competition has become a fertile avenue for discovering new talents and point-gathering by players.

The JAMSC which began four years ago, has assumed a national status where players from across the country find fulfilment in participating in.

Engr Adowei who is the immediate past President of the Lekki Scrabble Club said he was elated and satisfied with the impact the tournament is having in the sport in the country.

“I’m very elated to see my Scrabble friends come around to honour me, I’m very satisfied. This tournament is dedicated to my Mum who supported me to play the game. I’m very pleased with the number of players who turned up. We decided to make it open so that it can spur many other young talents to get engaged meaningfully and also give them fame both at the national and international level. I’m happy with the turnout at this edition of JAMSC. “

In the same vein President of the Police Scrabble team Femi Okunowo who was on ground to observe officers; Dickson Iyelih and James Eteng also gave glowing words to the tournament for the standards on display at the two-day competition.

The Chief Superintendent of Police said the organisation put in place by the team was top notch and this would help players’ performance in the mindgame.

“The JAMSC is well organised, you can see the serene atmosphere where players are competing without stress, the place is well lit and calm. The players are happy and I think this is encouraging. Other competitions can take a cue from it” he submitted.

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Fikayo Tomori Explains Why He Chose England Over Nigeria

Fikayo Tomori in England national team jersey

AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori has opened up on his decision to represent England on the international stage, explaining that the Nigerian Football Federation never officially contacted him.

Tomori, who initially represented Canada at youth level, later switched allegiance to England, earning five senior caps to date. While several English youth internationals with Nigerian heritage, including Ola Aina, Alex Iwobi, and Ademola Lookman, have opted for the Super Eagles, Tomori’s path led him to the Three Lions.

Tomori On His Decision

Speaking on the Filthy Fellas Podcast, Tomori outlined how England reached out after his stint with Canada’s youth team:

“I was playing for the Canada youth team, but about four months later, the England Academy manager reached out about the possibility of switching over. The next international break, England called me, and I knew I had to go. I thought if I said no, would I ever get a call-up again?”

He added that the transition felt natural because many of his Chelsea teammates, like Tammy Abraham, were already in the England setup.

“It didn’t feel different [from Canada] because all my friends were in there… it felt like Chelsea again,” Tomori said.

Nigeria’s Missed Opportunity

Tomori admitted that if Nigeria had made an approach, he might have considered playing for the Super Eagles.

“If it was Nigeria, I’d have gone,” he stated.

However, he clarified that no official call ever came, leaving him with no real choice.

“Would I have changed to Nigeria from England? I don’t know because at the time, I was playing for Chelsea, so I thought I would play for England. It’s not like I wouldn’t have played there, but they never called me, so I never had a choice to make.”

As Tomori continues to establish himself in Serie A with Milan, he now focuses on securing a spot in England’s 2026 World Cup squad, hoping to make his mark on football’s biggest stage.

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Wilfred Ndidi Backed By Sunday Oliseh As The Next Super Eagles Captain

Sunday Oliseh Supports Wilfred Ndidi For Super Eagles Captaincy

The conversation around the future leadership of the Super Eagles just got louder—and a lot more interesting.
Former Super Eagles head coach Sunday Oliseh has openly declared his preferred choice for the next captain… and his pick is none other than midfield powerhouse Wilfred Ndidi.

With William Troost-Ekong officially hanging up his international boots, the captain’s armband is now up for grabs. But if Oliseh had his way? The decision is easy.

Why Oliseh Wants Ndidi To Lead Nigeria

On his podcast, Oliseh Insight, the former Juventus and Dortmund star explained why Ndidi stands out among all current Super Eagles players. According to him, the Leicester-turned-Besiktas midfielder commands massive respect, shows unmatched professionalism, and consistently gives his all every game.

Oliseh put it plainly:

“At the moment, I think nobody doubts the respect the players have for Ndidi. And he’s a player that plays every game.”

This isn’t surprising. Ndidi has built a reputation as one of Africa’s most reliable midfielders—calm, disciplined, hardworking, and battle-tested.

Leadership To Match The Moment

Oliseh, known for bold captaincy calls (remember when he chose Musa over Mikel?), believes Nigeria’s next skipper must be more than a figurehead.
To him, the Super Eagles need a leader who:

  • Inspires the squad

  • Commands respect naturally

  • Communicates effectively

  • Represents the team with integrity

  • Leads on and off the pitch—not just someone who follows NFF instructions

In his words, the armband shouldn’t just be decorative. It should mean direction, strength, and identity. And Ndidi, in his view, fits that profile perfectly.

A New Era For The Super Eagles?

The timing of this debate couldn’t be more crucial. Nigeria is gearing up for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where they’ll face Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania in Group C.

Leadership matters in tournaments. Momentum matters. And the right captain could set the tone for the entire journey toward Morocco.

Will Ndidi rise as the next leader?
Will the NFF agree with Oliseh?
Or will another name emerge from the squad?

Whatever happens, the conversation is officially on—and the sports world is paying attention.

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William Troost-Ekong Bows Out: An Emotional Farewell That Shakes Up The Super Eagles Camp

William Troost-Ekong Bows Out In Emotional Goodbye

Super Eagles fans woke up to unexpected news as captain William Troost-Ekong officially announced his retirement from international football. Despite being listed in Eric Chelle’s 54-man provisional squad for AFCON 2025, the 2023 AFCON MVP revealed via a heartfelt video on X (formerly Twitter) that his journey with Nigeria had reached its final chapter.

The announcement came with a touching message:
“HONOURED. GRATEFUL. FOREVER A SUPER EAGLE. Playing for Nigeria has been the greatest privilege of my life. The journey may end here, but my support never will. Here’s to the next chapter.”

With 83 caps in 10 years, Ekong leaves behind a legacy of leadership, consistency, and unmatched patriotism. He was instrumental in Nigeria’s run to the 2023 AFCON final and became one of the most respected voices in the national team.

Why Now? A Transition Already In Motion

In recent months, Troost-Ekong’s role had gradually shifted. The impressive rise of 20-year-old Benjamin Fredrick pushed him out of the starting XI, reducing the captain to a bench role. One of the most emotional revelations was his admission that he was supposed to take a penalty in Nigeria’s World Cup qualifier shootout against DR Congo—but being benched meant he couldn’t step up.

Still, Ekong showed class:
“I wasn’t frustrated; I just wanted to win this game… My role is to support the team as much as possible, both on and off the pitch.”

He had also hinted earlier this year that AFCON 2025 might be his final tournament, showing that this transition wasn’t entirely sudden—it was coming.

Ndidi Tipped To Take The Captain’s Armband

The big question now is: who leads the Super Eagles?
Former coach Sunday Oliseh believes the answer is simple—Wilfred Ndidi.

Ndidi has captained the team in recent matches and commands full respect in the squad. According to Oliseh:
“Nobody doubts the respect the players have for Ndidi. And he’s a player that plays every game.”

With AFCON 2025 approaching quickly, stability is crucial—and Ndidi might be the perfect bridge into Nigeria’s next era.

A Legacy Forever Etched In Nigerian Football

Troost-Ekong leaves as a true patriot: admired, respected, and loved. His leadership transcended the pitch—he was the voice of calm, the anchor in tough moments, and the embodiment of commitment.

For the Super Eagles, a new chapter begins.
But for fans, William Troost-Ekong will always remain a Super Eagle—forever.

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