By ADO SALISU
The President of the Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF), Bright Idahosa, has praised the National Sports Commission (NSC) for its increasing support for the game, describing the inclusion of scrabble in the maiden National Intermediate Games in Lagos as a significant boost to the sport’s development across the country.
Idahosa said the decision by the NSC to include scrabble among the featured sports at the youth-focused competition demonstrates a clear commitment to broadening the nation’s sporting horizon beyond traditional events.
READ ON: Athletes storm YabaTech for Commonwealth Games trials in Lagos
“The National Sports Commission deserves immense credit for recognising the value of scrabble and giving the sport a platform at the inaugural National Intermediate Games,” Idahosa said. “This is a significant step towards talent discovery and development, and it shows that the Commission is committed to creating opportunities for athletes across different sports.”
The NSF president expressed optimism that the momentum generated by the latest initiative would pave the way for scrabble’s return to the National Sports Festival when the country’s premier multi-sport event holds in Enugu.
“We are hopeful that scrabble will be restored to the National Sports Festival programme in Enugu. The sport has consistently delivered medals and international recognition for Nigeria, and its inclusion will further strengthen the festival’s status as a true celebration of all sports,” he added.
Idahosa reserved special praise for the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Honourable Bukola Olopade, whom he described as a visionary leader driving positive reforms in Nigerian sports.
“Honourable Bukola Olopade has shown exceptional leadership since assuming office. His passion for sports development, willingness to engage stakeholders and commitment to giving every sport a fair chance are worthy of commendation,” Idahosa stated.
“The DG has demonstrated that he understands the importance of investing in sports that consistently bring honour to the nation. His support for scrabble has been encouraging, and we appreciate the attention he has given to our sport.”
The NSF boss also thanked Olopade for Team Nigeria make the journey to Thailand for the Causeway Championship, noting that the gesture sent a powerful message about the Commission’s commitment to supporting Nigerian athletes on the international stage.
“We were delighted to see the Director General doing all within his power to ensure that all made their way to Thailand for the Causeway Championship. That level of support inspires athletes and administrators alike. It showed that the NSC leadership is ready to stand behind Nigerian sports and celebrate excellence wherever it is achieved.”
Idahosa further highlighted scrabble’s unique place in Nigeria’s sporting history, stressing that the game deserves stronger backing from both government and corporate organisations.
“Only scrabble and athletics have delivered senior world championship titles for Nigeria. That is a remarkable achievement and one that should not be overlooked,” he said.
“When a sport consistently produces world champions, it deserves sustained support. We believe corporate organisations and government agencies should partner more closely with scrabble because the potential for continued international success is enormous.”
He concluded by reaffirming the federation’s commitment to working with the NSC to expand the sport’s reach, discover new talents and ensure Nigeria remains a dominant force in world scrabble.
With increasing support from the National Sports Commission and renewed optimism within the federation, Nigerian scrabble appears poised for another era of growth and international success.
