By Ado Salisu
The Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF) has unveiled a 21-player squad for the 2026 World Youth Scrabble Championship, scheduled to take place from August 7 to 9 at the Trademark Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya.
Nigeria heads into the tournament with high expectations, relying on a blend of experienced champions and emerging talents as it seeks to make a strong impression against the world’s best young Scrabble players.
The team will be led by the 2025 World Best Female Player, Sophia Ebube Ekeruche, alongside Abdulqodus Aliu, who narrowly missed winning the world title in his category last year.
Also included in the squad are highly rated players such as Khalid Olosun, Yusuf Abdulsalam, Roseline Emelike, and the talented Onazi siblings—Saviour, Salvation, and Triumph.
Other members of the team include Samuel Emelike, Victoria Chukwuemeka, Olamide Hassan, Khalifa Bello, Matilda Wilcox, Chosen Johnson, Victor Ayanwale, Farzana Kaka, Aneef Kelani, Abidah Fatai, Covenant Akamabong Okoridem, and others.
The squad emerged from a rigorous two-day online qualification tournament organised by the NSF’s National Technical Director, Khaleel Adedeji, with support from National Youth Coach Hassan Olujoko.
Olujoko disclosed that the players will undergo a minimum one-week training camp to sharpen their skills before departing for Kenya.
He also confirmed that a seven-member backroom staff will accompany the team to provide technical and administrative support throughout the championship.
NSF President, Engineer Bright Idahosa, said the Nigerian contingent is scheduled to depart for Nairobi on August 5, allowing the players sufficient time to acclimatise before the competition begins.
The championship is expected to attract more than 200 players from over 40 countries, promising an intense contest among the world’s brightest young Scrabble talents.
In a major boost to Nigeria’s preparations, the National Sports Commission (NSC) has assured the federation of full government support to ensure a successful outing at the prestigious global event.
With a squad that combines experience, youthful energy, and proven ability, Nigeria will be aiming to reinforce its status as one of the world’s leading Scrabble nations when the championship gets underway in Nairobi.