Top players in the Scrabble circuit are in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory to honour the President of Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF), Chief Olobatoke Aka at a National Championship organised to mark his Diamond Jubilee.
A total of 89 players comprising former World Champion Wellington Jighere, former African champions Nsikak Etim, Dennis Ikekeregor as well as other former national champions will engage one another in the tournament which has a special spin added to it.
Victor Godwin who was recently crowned Emmanuel Egbele Annual Scrabble Tournament champion will also aiming for the title at the one-day event.
Players spread across three categories of Veteran, Intermediate and Masters will jostle for cash prizes, rating points and also celebrate one of the most influential administrators in Scrabble, Toke, an engineer whose immeasurable contributions to the sport is unquantifiable.
The “Jagaban” of Nigeria Scrabble who many descibe as a constant star in illuminating the country’s path to success even at the global level has remained modest despite his strategic markings at the international level.
Tournament Director Farouk Babaina would oversee the 12 rounds of games to be played in each category.
Meanwhile, Pan Africa Scrabble Association (PANASA) President Adekoyejo Adegbesan has promised to sponsor the top two intermediate players to the President’s Cup scheduled for August 24 to 28 in Lagos.
This gesture according to him would help in encouraging good competition amongst the players.
He added that it is also a way of showing solidarity with Aka whose leadership style and influence will remain indelible in the country and the world.
60-year-old Olobatoke Aka has also made successful inroads into Cricket and Tennis as player and national officials.
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