National Scrabble Team coach, Anthony Ikolo, has called on the federal government, corporate organisations and sports stakeholders to increase their support for Nigerian Scrabble players, saying the country’s champions deserve greater recognition for their achievements on the international stage.
Ikolo praised Team Nigeria’s impressive performance at the 16th African Scrabble Championship in Monrovia, Liberia, where the country emerged overall champion and secured the Best Country award.
Nigeria’s Abdulmumin Jimoh emerged as the individual champion after recording 23 victories from 32 games, finishing with a tournament-high spread of +1,760 points.
His compatriot, George Ezinore, also finished second with 23 victories and a spread of +1,005, further underlining Nigeria’s dominance at the competition.
Speaking on the country’s achievement, Ikolo said the players’ success was the result of years of dedication, discipline and deliberate efforts to develop the sport.
“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,” he said.
The coach, who has spent 12 years guiding Nigerian players to continental and international success, noted that the latest triumph was part of a sustained tradition of excellence by the country’s Scrabble players.
He cited the achievements of Enoch Nwali, who won in Lusaka, Zambia, and Oluwatimilehin Doko, who conquered Africa in Kigali, Rwanda, before Jimoh’s latest success in Monrovia.
“Look at what Enoch Nwali achieved in Lusaka, what Oluwatimilehin Doko did in Kigali and now Abdulmumin Jimoh in Monrovia. These are different players, different atmospheres, and different moments, but the message remains the same: Nigeria is producing champions consistently,” Ikolo added.
He also praised 16-year-old Sophia Ekeruche, whose achievements in the junior female category have further strengthened his confidence in the future of Nigerian Scrabble.
“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,” he said.
Ikolo also commended the players and technical crew for their sacrifices, preparation and teamwork, noting that their contributions were essential to the country’s continued success.
He equally appreciated the National Sports Commission, under the leadership of Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director-General Bukola Olopade, for its support towards the development of Nigerian sports.
“The players deserve every commendation. They are the ones who sit at the board and fight for every point. The technical crew also deserves recognition for the planning, preparation and work that go into these performances,” he said.
“I must also appreciate the National Sports Commission, led by Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director-General Bukola Olopade. Their efforts and support for Nigerian sports have been encouraging. We need an environment where athletes are motivated, recognised and given the necessary backing to continue winning for the country.”
However, the coach stressed that more needed to be done to sustain Nigeria’s dominance, urging corporate organisations, government institutions and individuals to invest in the sport.
“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.
He lamented that attention and resources were often concentrated on football and other popular sporting events, while athletes in less-publicised disciplines received limited recognition despite their international achievements.
“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,” Ikolo stated.
He further called for better sponsorship, improved opportunities and sustained encouragement for the players, stressing that celebrating their victories should go hand in hand with investing in their future.
“These athletes deserve encouragement, better opportunities, sponsorship and recognition. They need to know that the country appreciates what they are doing. We cannot continue to celebrate their victories without making the necessary investment in their future,” he added.
Ikolo expressed optimism that Nigeria could maintain its position among the world’s leading Scrabble nations if the players received the necessary support and younger talents were given opportunities to develop.
He maintained that the country’s achievements at the continental and international levels should serve as a motivation for stakeholders to pay greater attention to Scrabble and other sporting disciplines outside football.