Sixteen players and officials have commenced closed camping in Umuahia, Abia State, ahead of the Africa Scrabble Championship in Monrovia, Liberia, scheduled for October 22 to 25.

The National Scrabble Coach, Anthony Ikolo, said in Umuahia on Wednesday that the team was working to consolidate its chances ahead of the continental tournament.

Mr Ikolo said the camp features 16 players alongside top officials of the Nigeria Scrabble Federation.

He explained that 20 players were invited, but a few could not make the camp due to work permit issues and family engagements.

The national coach said Nigeria won 14 of the previous 15 editions of the Africa Scrabble Championship, adding that the team aimed to secure its 15th continental crown.

Mr Ikolo said only South Africa broke Nigeria’s dominance when it won the 2002 edition in Kenya.

He said the team’s decision to camp in Abia State was partly influenced by its desire to witness firsthand the ongoing transformation under Governor Alex Otti’s administration.

Mr Ikolo said the players were undergoing rigorous training to build mental strength and endurance.

He said Nigeria was given 25 slots at the championship as against 15 for other countries.

Mr Ikolo said about 20 players would eventually represent Nigeria at the competition in Liberia.

According to him, the team parades new players groomed to replace ageing top players.

He added that there was no age limit in Scrabble, citing a young female player from Abia State in camp.

Mr Ikolo said Nigeria’s dominance was driven by the resilience and hunger of the players to become champions.

“Nigeria is so lucky to be blessed with the Scrabble team. Since 2015 to date, we have been number one in the world.

“Last year, 2025, we won the World Scrabble Championship trophy again for the fourth time,” Mr Ikolo said.

He commended the federation’s Vice-President, Lovejoy Ogbuokiri, for sponsoring the camp and developing Scrabble in Abia State.

Mr Ikolo said the federation, under its President, Bright Idahosa, was promoting grassroots Scrabble through schools.

Team Captain, Rex Ogbakpa, said the team was in top form and ready to defend its title.

Mr Ogbakpa, a former African champion from Delta State, said Nigeria would replicate its past victories.

He, however, lamented that the government was not investing enough in Scrabble despite its global success.

The captain said logistics for camping were being handled by the federation and private individuals.

He said Scrabble enhances thinking ability and broadens the horizon of players.

The team is expected to depart Umuahia for Lagos on October 20 before continuing its journey to Monrovia for the championship.
(NAN)