Scrabble tourney: Jighere is new national scrabble champion as Delta state claim top spot

The 2019 Asaph Zadok National Scrabble Championship ended at the weekend in Abuja and with Wellington Jighere of Delta State emerging the new champion.

Jighere shrugged off challenges from defending national champion Moses Peter of Akwa Ibom state and two time African champion Dennis Ikekeregor, also from Delta State who finished 2nd and 3rd respectively.

All three players recorded 19 wins from 24 games but Jighere edged them out on superior cumulative.

Expressing delight over his victory, the University of Benin graduate said he can now heave a sigh of relief winning the championship that had long eluded him. 


“I am delighted that the National Championship has finally been won by me. I was seen by some people as an outstanding international player who could not do same domestically. Now, my victory in the National Championship has finally changed that notion,” he remarked gleefully.

Jighere received a cash prize of N200,000 and was decorated with the traditional Green Jacket.

President of Nigeria Scrabble Federation, Gora Suleiman, said lack of fund almost made it impossible for the competition to hold. 

He however, expressed the hope that things would change for the better with the coming of the new Minister of Sports, Sunday Dare.

At the end of the championship, Delta State emerged top beating closest rivals Bayelsa and Oyo.

A total of 44 players took part in the three-day event held at the VIP Lounge of the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja.

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