Nigeria Unveils Youth Scrabble Team Despite Financial Woes

The Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF) has announced a four-man squad to represent the country at the 2025 World Youth Scrabble Championships in Malaysia, despite lingering concerns over funding for the trip.

The team comprises two male and two female players, led by multiple National Youth Games gold medalist, Abdulqudus Olawale Aliu, who also featured in Nigeria’s last outing at the World Youth Championship in Sri Lanka, where he placed in the top 25 despite missing a crucial game.

Joining him is Prestige Archibong, the reigning U-19 champion from the 2025 African Youth Scrabble Championships in Kenya, alongside Sophia Ebube Ekeruche, who went unbeaten to claim the U-15 title at the same tournament.

The squad is completed by Joy Eberechukwu Nwabuzor, a multi-national junior champion and standout performer at the African Youth Scrabble Championships.

Speaking at the unveiling, NSF President, Engineer Olobatoke Aka, said the selection was based on “experience, track record, current form, and the ability to navigate big championships.”

He stressed that the team, tagged “Prepared to Conquer,” has what it takes to compete with the world’s best.

However, the players’ dreams of flying Nigeria’s flag in Kuala Lumpur remain uncertain as the federation struggles to raise the required funds.

The National Sports Commission (NSC) is reportedly working around the clock to make the trip possible, but support from state governments, corporate sponsors, and private individuals is still urgently needed.

Nigeria’s participation at recent international scrabble events has relied heavily on such interventions.

At the last World Youth Championships in Sri Lanka, only two players Aliu and Sufyan Boluwatife Olojoku were sponsored by the Kwara State Government.

Similarly, Nigeria’s campaign at the African Youth Championships in Kenya earlier this year was made possible through the efforts of the Kwara State Government, NSF leadership, Lagos State Scrabble and Monopoly Association, and families of players.

With the 2025 World Youth Scrabble Championships scheduled to hold from August 30 to September 1 in Kuala Lumpur, the NSF is appealing for urgent financial support to ensure Team Nigeria’s participation and a chance to make a mark on the global stage.

Sports247.ng