The University of Uyo (UNIUYO) delivered a commanding performance to defeat the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) by 8-1 in the latest edition of the Inter-University Scrabble Series (IUSS) held in May 2026.
The emphatic result underlined UNIUYO’s growing status as one of the strongest university Scrabble teams in Nigeria, as the hosts dominated across the boards in a highly competitive team-based contest designed to promote Scrabble development in tertiary institutions.
UNIUYO Showcase Strength on Home Soil
Playing before a home crowd, Team UNIUYO displayed tactical discipline, superior word-building skills and consistency throughout the series.
The Uyo-based side was captained by Abasido Bassey, with a formidable lineup that included:
- Prestige Archibong (JCC)
- Uyohoini Akpan
- Abasiono Ukpoho
- Abasiodiong Ukpoho
The visiting FUTO side arrived with high hopes but struggled to match the hosts’ sharpness and depth over the course of the encounter.
FUTO was led by Thelma Tochukwu, supported by:
- Charles Princewill
- Queen-Elizabeth Eke
- Chukwuemeka Ihejieto
- Marvellous Benson
Prestige Archibong Leads UNIUYO Charge
The standout performer of the tournament was Prestige Archibong, who produced an exceptional individual display.
Archibong finished top of the standings with:
- 8 wins, 1 loss
- +2311 cumulative points
His dominance on the boards was a major factor in UNIUYO’s overwhelming victory.
Closely behind him was UNIUYO captain Abasido Bassey, who also recorded:
- 8 wins, 1 loss
- +1411 cumulative points
Another key contributor was Abasiodiong Ukpoho, who secured:
- 6 wins, 3 losses
- +634 cumulative points
Full Individual Standings
The final rankings reflected UNIUYO’s superiority, with four of the top six positions claimed by the hosts.
- Prestige Archibong (UNIUYO) – 8 wins, 1 loss (+2311)
- Abasido Bassey (UNIUYO) – 8 wins, 1 loss (+1411)
- Abasiodiong Ukpoho (UNIUYO) – 6 wins, 3 losses (+634)
- Uyohoini Akpan (UNIUYO) – 6 wins, 3 losses (+412)
- Charles Princewill (FUTO) – 6 wins, 3 losses (+394)
- Abasiono Ukpoho (UNIUYO) – 6 wins, 3 losses (+11)
- Marvellous Benson (FUTO) – 4 wins, 5 losses (-306)
- Thelma Tochukwu (FUTO) – 1 win, 8 losses (-1669)
- Chukwuemeka Ihejieto (FUTO) – 0 wins, 9 losses (-1429)
- Queen-Elizabeth Eke (FUTO) – 0 wins, 9 losses (-1799)
What the Inter-University Scrabble Series Means
The Inter-University Scrabble Series (IUSS) is an initiative of Nigeria Scrabble Prodigies, created to unite universities through structured and competitive Scrabble contests.
The competition aims to:
- Increase youth participation in Scrabble
- Create stronger university Scrabble rivalries
- Develop future national champions
- Build a sustainable tertiary Scrabble structure in Nigeria
- Make the game more exciting and relatable for students
With Nigerian Scrabble continuing to gain international recognition, university-based competitions like the IUSS are expected to become important talent pipelines for future elite players.
UNIUYO Send Statement to University Scrabble Rivals
This 8-1 demolition of FUTO sends a strong warning to rival institutions across Nigeria: UNIUYO are a force in collegiate Scrabble.
With a balanced squad, experienced leadership and standout performers like Prestige Archibong, the University of Uyo may now be one of the teams to beat in future editions of the Inter-University Scrabble Series.
As university Scrabble grows nationwide, this clash may be remembered as the day UNIUYO announced themselves as serious contenders.