Nigeria’s national team coach, Anthony Ikolo, has urged Nigerians, government and corporate organisations to give the country’s Scrabble champions greater recognition and support following another impressive display on the continental and global stage.
Ikolo made the appeal while celebrating Team Nigeria’s outstanding performance at the 16th African Scrabble Championship in Monrovia, Liberia, where the country reaffirmed its dominance of the sport.
Nigeria’s Abdulmumin Jimoh emerged individual champion after recording 23 victories from 32 games, finishing with a tournament-high spread of +1,760. His compatriot, George Ezinore, also secured second place with 23 wins and a spread of +1,005.
The Nigerian team further claimed the Best Country award, finishing ahead of Kenya and hosts Liberia.
For Ikolo, who has spent the last 12 years developing and guiding Nigerian Scrabble players, the latest success reflects a sustained culture of excellence rather than an isolated achievement.
He cited the continental triumphs of Enoch Nwali in Lusaka, Zambia, Oluwatimilehin Doko in Kigali, Rwanda, and Jimoh’s latest accomplishment in Monrovia as evidence of Nigeria’s consistency in producing champions.
The coach also highlighted the emergence of 16-year-old Sophia Ekeruche, who has maintained her dominance in the world junior female category for two consecutive years.
“Our players have continued to show that Nigeria is a force to reckon with in Scrabble, not just in Africa but across the world. What we are witnessing is the product of years of hard work, discipline, commitment and deliberate efforts to develop these athletes,” Ikolo said.
He described Ekeruche’s achievements as a strong indication of the country’s potential to sustain its international dominance.
“Imagine a 16-year-old girl dominating the world in her category for two years running. That tells you the kind of talent we have in this country. These young players are not just competing; they are setting standards and giving Nigeria a strong identity in international Scrabble,” the Delta State-born coach added.
Ikolo also commended the players and technical crew for their dedication, preparation and sacrifices, while acknowledging the National Sports Commission (NSC), led by Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director-General Bukola Olopade, for its support towards Nigerian sports development.
However, he believes the achievements of Nigerian Scrabble players deserve greater public attention, particularly when compared with the recognition routinely given to football and other popular sporting disciplines.
“My appeal to Nigerians is simple: please show this team some love. Show Scrabble some love. These players are making enormous sacrifices and bringing trophies, medals and international recognition to our country,” he said.
“Sometimes, we celebrate success in football and other popular sports, but we must also recognise those who are making Nigeria proud in other sporting disciplines. Scrabble is one of those sports where Nigeria is not just participating; we are dominating and setting the pace.”
The national team coach called on government institutions, corporate organisations and other stakeholders to provide more sponsorship opportunities, incentives and sustained investment in the sport.
He stressed that celebrating the athletes after victories must go hand in hand with creating an environment that supports their development and encourages continued success.
With a new generation of Nigerian players already making significant strides across Africa and the world, Ikolo believes the country has the talent and foundation to remain at the summit of international Scrabble.
His message is clear: Nigeria’s Scrabble champions deserve more than applause after every victory. They need recognition, investment and the support required to sustain their remarkable achievements.
