Lagos:Abdulmumin Jimoh successfully defended his Division A title at the 2026 Lekki Scrabble Club Classics, taking home the top prize of $1,000 after dominating the two-day event.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the tournament was held at the Peninsula Hotel in Lekki, Lagos, with participation from over 200 players. Jimoh expressed his delight at overcoming several top competitors to retain his title and set his sights on the upcoming African Scrabble Championship in Monrovia, Liberia, scheduled for October.
Jimoh dedicated his victory to his late elder brother, who introduced him to Scrabble, and emphasized the importance of staying relaxed throughout the competition. He plans to focus on preparations for the continental championship to further tighten his game.
In the tournament’s Division B, Frank Ishiekwene emerged as the champion, while Abdulsalam Toyyibaht claimed victory in the Under-12 category. Toyyibaht expressed her gratitude for the support from her family and coaches, which contributed to her success.
Young player Gbadebo Adam, inspired by his father, participated in the competition and expressed his ambition to continue improving his skills and achieving more in Scrabble.
Samuel Anikoh, President of Lekki Scrabble Club, highlighted the tournament’s growth, noting its international recognition and the participation of players from countries including Ghana, Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. He called for increased corporate support to further develop the game, especially in schools.
Adeola Aguba, a club member, praised the introduction of a Children’s Division and the increasing international participation, hoping for the competition’s continued expansion. Ghanaian player Bayenang Fatawu shared his experience, acknowledging the tournament’s competitiveness and its role in preparing for future challenges.
Bright Idahosa, President of the Nigeria Scrabble Federation, commended the event’s high standard and noted Nigeria’s dominance in past African Scrabble Championships. He also discussed grassroots development efforts through the Scrabble-to-School initiative.
Adekoyejo Adegbesan, President of the Pan-African Scrabble Association, reflected on the tournament’s improving standards and its significance in preparing Nigerian players for international competitions. Ayodele Thomas, a member of the club, described the event as both fun and competitive, contributing to personal skill development.
The tournament concluded with champions receiving trophies and prize money, further establishing the Classics as a key competition in the Scrabble calendar.