Defending champions Nigeria have arrived in Monrovia, Liberia, for the 16th Africa Scrabble Championship, which will run from October 21 to 25 at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex.
Nigeria target another continental double
Nigeria have claimed 14 of the 15 previous African team titles and will aim to keep hold of both the team championship and individual honours in Liberia.
- Oluwatimilehin Doko, the reigning individual African champion, heads Nigeria’s 25-player squad.
- The National Sports Commission has stated that the delegation’s mission is to preserve Nigeria’s long-standing supremacy in Scrabble across Africa.
- Nigeria will begin its preliminary-round fixtures today.
Strong continental field in Monrovia
The five-day championship has drawn 134 competitors from 24 African countries, with a record total prize fund of $35,000 on offer.
- Kenya have brought the largest delegation, consisting of 34 players.
- Uganda are next in number of participants, with 30 competitors.
- Nigeria’s travelling squad contains 25 players.
Commission backs champions’ preparations
Kola Daniel, Special Assistant on Media to the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, said the Nigerian players were ready for the challenge.
“Team Nigeria goes into this championship fully ready to protect its title, draw on its experience in competition and uphold the country’s high-performance level on the continental stage,” Daniel said.
Liberia hosts event for the first time
The tournament is organised by the Pan African Scrabble Association, PANASA, and is being staged in Liberia for the first time. Held every two years, it is regarded as Africa’s leading Scrabble event.
