Team Nigeria touched down in Lagos on Monday, carrying not just luggage, but a statement, a thunderous declaration that the new kings of world scrabble wear green and white.
Twenty players. Seven officials. One united fire.
And together, they dethroned the almighty United States in Accra to emerge World Scrabble Champions, outclassing 27 other nations in a tournament packed with intensity, adrenaline, and pure grit.
Led by a one time Continental Champion and captain Rex Ogbakpa, the Nigerians didn’t just win, they dominated.
The devastating duo of Oluwatimilehin Doko, current Continental Champion and his tactical partner Abdulmumin Jimoh, both from the Gateway State, carved through the field with clinical brilliance, turning the once-invincible Americans into mere spectators. It was chess with letters, war with words and Nigeria was the master strategist.
Adding firepower were the five “Word Lords’’ from Warri Scrabble Club, whose razor-sharp gameplay kept opponents scrambling. Lagos came loaded too, with Dipo Akanbi, John Aiyedun, and Hakeem Olaribigbe, all Lagos civil servants, stamping authority with ice-cold precision.
Edo State’s pride, Godwin Victor and George Ezinore, stood tall, delivering performances that echoed Nigeria’s strength in depth.
In the heart of the victory, the message was unmistakable. Team Nigeria’s never-say-die spirit, unity, and courage were the real champions.
And nobody captured this better than Lagos ace Dipo Akanbi, who hailed the squad’s attitude as “a brotherhood built on fight, faith, and absolute belief,” praising the collective spirit that fueled the triumph.
The accolades flowed swiftly.
World Champion Wellington Jighere showered praise on the team, describing their performance as “a powerful reminder of Nigeria’s unmatched pedigree in global scrabble.”
Vice President of the Nigeria Scrabble Federation, Lovejoy Ogbuokiri Ezinna, not only applauded the historic win but also backed his words with financial support to the team, a gesture that drew warm appreciation from players and officials who had given everything for the country.
The oldest member of Team Nigeria, Chinedu Thorpe amorously called Sidespin, captures the feeling of the group with these short but very heart warming words, “Thank you NSF for a wonderful and remarkable opportunity to represent the country.
“Congratulations Team Nigeria once again. We rule the World.”
Back home, preparations are already underway to present the gleaming gold-plated trophy to the National Sports Commission (NSC), a moment that will etch yet another chapter in Nigeria’s rich scrabble legacy.
For now, the champions savor the glory. In two years, they will defend not just a title but the pride of a nation.
Team Nigeria reigns. And the world is officially on notice.
