Nigeria’s Scrabble Federation will stage national qualifiers this weekend as it looks to assemble the country’s squad for the 2026 World Youth Scrabble Championship. The selection process will be conducted online through the Woogles platform, with the Nigeria team set to compete in Nairobi, Kenya.
Key takeaways
- Nigeria Scrabble Federation qualifiers for the 2026 World Youth event are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.
- Matches will be played remotely on the Woogles platform.
- The qualifiers run on 11 and 12 July, with monitored games used to decide Nigeria’s representatives.
- Four players will earn places in the team event in Nairobi, Kenya, while two Under-10 spots will also be contested.
- The World Youth Scrabble Championship is set for 7 to 9 August at the Trademark Hotel in Nairobi.
Qualifiers set for July 11-12 with online monitoring
Nigeria’s National Youth Coach Hassan Olojoku Abdulrafiu confirmed that the qualifiers will take place on 11 and 12 July. He said participants will play in supervised online matches designed to determine the athletes who will represent the country at the World Youth level.
Abdulrafiu added that National Technical Director Adedeji Khaleel will publish the full entry procedures and competition modalities in advance of the tournament. He urged all eligible players to spend time getting comfortable with the Woogles platform before the qualifiers begin.
The coach also called on team officials, including coaches and chaperones, to help maintain a smooth and organised environment throughout the selection process.
Who Nigeria will send to Nairobi, and what’s at stake
The federation’s qualifiers will decide four players for the team event in Nairobi, Kenya. In addition, Nigeria is expected to send two Under-10 competitors, drawn from a group of roughly four eligible youngsters, with the battle for those positions expected to be tight.
Abdulrafiu further instructed coaches to remain active in sponsorship efforts. He said the NSF will ask for periodic funding updates ahead of the team’s trip.
Nigeria will head into the weekend qualifiers following a strong performance at the most recent World Youth Scrabble Championship in Malaysia. Abdulqodus Aliou came agonisingly close to taking the overall title, while Sophia Ekeruche was named the tournament’s Best Female player.
The 2026 World Youth Scrabble Championship will be held from 7 to 9 August at the Trademark Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya.
