Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF) president Bright Idahosa has hailed the National Sports Commission (NSC) for bringing scrabble into the maiden National Intermediate Games in Lagos, describing it as a major boost for the sport’s growth across the country.
Idahosa said the decision highlights the NSC’s determination to widen Nigeria’s sporting calendar beyond long-established disciplines. He praised the commission for recognising scrabble’s value and giving it a stage at the inaugural National Intermediate Games, adding that the move represents an important pathway for identifying emerging talent and supporting their development.
Looking ahead, the NSF chief said he hopes the positive momentum will help return scrabble to the programme of the National Sports Festival when it takes place in Enugu. He pointed to scrabble’s history of producing medals and earning international recognition for Nigeria.
Idahosa also commended NSC Director General Bukola Olopade, describing her as a “visionary leader” who is helping drive beneficial reforms in Nigerian sports. He cited her engagement with stakeholders and her backing for Team Nigeria’s involvement at the Causeway Championship in Thailand, saying such support encourages both athletes and administrators.
In addition, he noted that scrabble and athletics are the only sports that have delivered senior world championship titles for Nigeria. In his view, that record makes the case for stronger, more consistent backing from both government and corporate partners.
“When a sport consistently produces world champions, it deserves sustained support,” Idahosa said, urging closer collaboration between key stakeholders to broaden participation in scrabble and maintain Nigeria’s prominence on the global stage.
