By Atlantic Reports

Nigeria’s Scrabble team has begun a closed training camp in Umuahia, Abia State, ahead of the Africa Scrabble Championship scheduled for October 22 to 25 in Monrovia, Liberia.

National coach Anthony Ikolo said on Wednesday that 16 players were in camp alongside officials of the Nigeria Scrabble Federation, with training focused on mental strength and endurance.

He said 20 players had been invited, but some were unable to attend because of work permit issues and family commitments. About 20 players are expected to represent Nigeria at the tournament.

According to Ikolo, Nigeria received 25 participation slots, compared with 15 for other countries.

Pursuit of Another Continental Crown

Ikolo said Nigeria had won 14 of the championship’s previous 15 editions and was targeting a 15th title. He identified South Africa’s victory at the 2002 edition in Kenya as the exception to Nigeria’s dominance.

Team captain Rex Ogbakpa, a former African champion from Delta State, said the players were in strong form and ready to defend their title.

Ikolo attributed the team’s success to the players’ resilience and determination to become champions. He also pointed to Nigeria’s international record, saying the country had maintained a leading position since 2015 and secured another world championship trophy in 2025.

The coach said emerging players were being prepared to succeed older members of the team. He noted that Scrabble had no age limit and cited a young female player from Abia participating in the camp.

Private Support Sustains Preparations

Ikolo credited the federation’s Vice-President, Lovejoy Ogbuokiri, with sponsoring the camp and supporting Scrabble development in Abia.

He said the federation, led by President Bright Idahosa, was also promoting the game through schools to strengthen its grassroots base.

Ogbakpa, however, expressed concern about what he described as insufficient government investment despite the sport’s international achievements. He said the federation and private individuals were handling camping logistics.

His comments highlight a funding concern behind the team’s preparations, although no camp budget or breakdown of government support was provided.

The captain also described Scrabble as a sport that develops thinking skills and broadens players’ knowledge.

The team is expected to leave Umuahia for Lagos on October 20 before travelling to Monrovia, where it will seek to extend its continental record.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.