National Youth Games gold medalists; Joy Nwabuzor and Abdulqudus are upbeat to lead Nigeria’s youths to the World Youth Scrabble Championship, billed to get underway from September 6 to 8 in Sri Lanka.
Ahead of the international competition, the Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF), has named 12 players to represent the country, consisting eight boys and four girls.
Also in the list includes the winner of the African Youth Scrabble Championship WASC U-15, Prestige Archibong, Ese Ejenakevbe, Sufyan Boluwatife, nine year old scrabble wizkid, Saviour Onazi and Clinton Imode are other talented player heading to Sri Lanka in the colors of Nigeria.
Saviour Onazi is the youngest member of Team at 9 years of age while 17 year old Sufyan Boluwatife is the oldest member of Team Nigeria Scrabble to World Championship.
Joy Nwabuzor, Hauwa Abdullahi, Sophia Ekeruche and Michelle Ikekeregor are the girls who will defend Nigeria’s colours during the World Championship.
The coach of the team Samuel Eromosele expressed confidence that his wil make the country proud in Sri Lanka come September.
“I started working with this group in October 2022 when I was commissioned to prepare the National Youth Team for the 2023 African Youth Scrabble Championship and rule the AYSC event in Lagos,” he said.
Members of the Nigeria Team to the World Youth Scrabble Championship are:
BOYS
★ Prestige Archibong
★ Abdulqudus Aliu
★ Clinton Imode
★ Sufyan Boluwatife
★ Demilade Lawrence
★Ese Ejenakevbe
★ Pereowei Edidie
★ Saviour Onazi
GIRLS
★ Joy Nwabuzor
★ Hauwa Abdullahi
★ Sophia Ekeruche
★ Michelle Ikekeregor
AT THE AYSC UNDER 15:
★ Prestige Archibong 1st
★ Abdulqudus Aliu 2nd
★ Clinton Imode 3rd
★ Ese Ejenakevbe 4th
★ Sufyan Boluwatife 5th
★ Joy Nwabuzor 6th
The team will be camping in either Lagos or Abuja before heading to Sri Lanka.
The World Youth Scrabble Championship (formerly known as the WESPA Youth Cup) has been contested every year since 2006. This year, Sri Lanka has been offered the opportunity to host the tournament.