The All-Nigeria Amazon Scrabble Championship was fun, mind-blowing, says African champion Ola   

The All Nigeria Amazon Scrabble Championship may have come and gone but the sweet memories and friendships created from the first of its kind tournament will last forever.

This is the submission of scrabble lovers and stakeholders across the country as they share their thoughts on the all-female Championship.

At the end of it all, Bukunmi Afolayan, a woman with unraveled dexterity on the board was crowned Queen of Nigerian Scrabble in Benin City.

The singer, songwriter and coach won, following a last minute bashing of Divine Imode who failed to hold steam to win ten out of twelve games, losing twice by a slim margin of 4 & 12 in round 2 and round 9.

Victorious Bukunmi found herself smiling to the bank with N320,000 following an elaborate closing ceremony.

Divine, the girl with a chic haircut settled for the third position as she lost, 536 – 361, 392 – 288 points in the final games of the day.

Joy Ola, the 2023 African Games gold medalist, secured the second spot due to higher cumulative points of plus 948 from 9 wins and 3 losses.

Sharing her experience in Benin she said, “My experience at the ASSC, was fun, mind blowing, intriguing and definitely an eye-opening experience. I did great, but I could do better, there’s more room for learning and improvement.”

She adds that the championship was not just an event for mining gold in female scrabble but also to build friendships.

“The event created the platform for me and other female wordsmith especially the young ones to showcase our talent and get exposure. It also enabled me to network, socially connect with new, old, and refreshing people from different works of life,” the Amazon explained.

At the first of its kind tournament, put together by the Vice President of Nigeria Scrabble Federation, Engineer, Bright Idahosa, the ladies were not just treated as queens and princesses but as pink diamonds.

 “The food, the deserts were so appetizing, tasteful and succulent, I am a foodie, and I love to cook, plus the sportsmanship that was displayed was beyond what I imagined, it was like we were this one big family, almost everybody, if not everyone were like sister’s keeper regardless,” she emphasized.

She thanked the organizers of the noble event, Words and Wits, for recognizing the girl child and creating a springboard for female scrabble to fly.

“This event has given female scrabble folks a voice, recognition, it has thrown a challenge to us to work harder, and it has created more awareness for potential female scrabble players in Nigeria and beyond.

“This is the maiden edition of ASSC in Nigeria, I mean it’s a big deal, it’s something to be proud of, I want to use this opportunity to thank the Brains behind this wonderful, amazing and classic event, special thanks to Mr. Bright Idahosa, the Vice President of Nigerian Scrabble Federation.

“To the president of Nigerian Scrabble Federation Chief Olobatoke Aka, to the National Coach Prince Ikolo, to the technical crew, media men, to all the sponsors, and to those who have contributed one way or the other and of course to all Amazons.”

Also relating her experience at the event is the lady with a chic haircut, Divine Imode, a 300 Level Human Physiology student of Port Harcourt.

“I’m thrilled to share my experience at the first all-female Amazon Scrabble game in Nigeria, held in Benin. Despite a stressful journey, I won two out of three games on the first day, telling myself it was a great start. The next day, I won six straight games before the King of the Hills (KOH), becoming 8-1 and feeling unstoppable. I led the standings with a one-game advantage, and I was proud.

“In the KOH, I faced Akpos Malafukumo (BG) and won, making me 9-1. I was overwhelmed, having never imagined topping the table alongside such talented players. Unfortunately, I lost my next two KOH games to the tournament winner, dropping me to third place. Those games were emotional, and I made errors that cost me, losing with a -285 spread.

“Despite this, I’m proud of my performance, considering my busy school schedule.

“I want to thank the organizers for doing a job well done(an unforgettable event), participants, my coach Eta karo, Dennis Ikekeragor, University of Port Harcourt and my supportive family for making this event possible. I enjoyed myself, and I’m sure everyone else did too. Well done to all participants and better luck next time to my opponents.

“Once again, I’d like to extend my warmest congratulations to the winner of the tournament! Your skills and dedication to Scrabble are truly inspiring. And to myself, I say congratulations on a game well played. Reaching third place and achieving a 9-3 record are accomplishments to be proud of, and I’m thrilled to have been a part of this incredible experience. Here’s to many more exciting Scrabble adventures ahead.

African Games gold medalist, Joy Ola who took second place at the championship also had some nice words for the organizers.

“The All Amazon Scrabble championship was a groundbreaking event, I think it’s one of the most organized tournament I’ve attended so far in Nigeria. The event was full of positivity and hostility, it is also an eye opener for other female Scrabble players in the country and I believe the next edition will even be bigger and better.

“My heartfelt gratitude goes to the organizers for organizing such a seamless competition.

“Nigeria University Games gold medalist, Priscilla Akhabue joined the long list of scrabble lovers who were swept off their feet by the historic Championship.

“The All Nigeria Amazon Scrabble Championship 2024 was a brilliantly organized tournament, I particularly loved the players, everyone was so cool and chill, good vibes and good Scrabble,” she said.