Afolayan becomes first lady to win South-West Closed Scrabble tourney

By Editor

Bukunmi Afolayan indeed made it an Easter to remember as she clinched the 2026 South-West Closed Scrabble Tournament title to become the first female to do so in Ile Ife, Osun State, on Sunday.

The Ogun State-born player concluded the 15-round competition with a result of 12 wins and 3 losses with +655 cumulative points after she outscored Jamiu Kareem 2-1 by the way of King Of the Hill (KOTH); a joust over the last three rounds.

Afolayan endured a gritty contest as Kareem pushed hard for an upset before her experience paved the way for her in the end.

Kareem ended with 11 wins, 4 losses, with a cumulative points of +941 to emerge as runner-up.

“When I lost the penultimate game to Jamiu, I was a little bit tense because I knew that for me to win this tournament, I had to win my last game. If I had won my penultimate game, I would have won totally and gibsonised. When I lost the penultimate game. It was a great tension for me. I came with courage and was able to win it.

“I was surprised to have won this tournament as the first female to do so. I was prepared. Lately, I have been studying hard. Last week, when I went for a tournament, the Olubango Invitational competition, I won just three games out of 10, and I was discouraged. With all my studying, how come I couldn’t do well enough to win six or even seven games, and I was discouraged. I said okay, I would come to this tournament. When I started doing well, I noticed my studying was showing, and that’s how I got to Table 1 for the last game.

“The South-West Closed Scrabble Tournament is going to have some positive impact on our performance. I’m impressed by the number of students from different schools present. This will make them realise that they can invest their time in scrabble and it’s also an eye-opener for them. I’m happy the tournament will have a positive impact on us.”

Ogun State’s former national captain, Cyril Umebiye, recorded 11 wins, 4 losses and +680 cumulative points to finish third.

Early runner Abdulmumin Jimoh suffered a poor run as he picked just a win in five games after a commanding show of 8-2 score the previous day and dropped to 12th position.

The South-West Coordinator, Engr. Monsur Akanbi commended all the participants who travelled from different parts of the zone to make this edition an excellent one.

“I’m indeed impressed by the turnout from the states, especially with the participation of students from the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University and Fountain University, Oshogbo, (3 male and 3 female players). It’s very satisfying, and I’m encouraged to keep pushing for the growth of Scrabble sport.

“Congratulations to all the winners, especially the overall winner, Bukunmi Afolayan (Ogun State); it was the first time having a female champion in the midst of the best players in the zone. The quality of attendance showed that the South -West zone is ready to continue the domination of Scrabble in Nigeria. The final rounds of the tournament were intense, and it drew followers across the world as they followed the reportage across different platforms.

“I must appreciate all our contributors and supporters and everyone who played a critical role in making the South-West Closed Scrabble Tournament a great tournament. Special thanks to Commissioner of Police (retd) Awotinde Awosola for his support and to the brand Najod Classics Services Limited for the sole sponsorship.

“Kudos to my work-team who executed all the ideas into the spectacle we saw in Ile-Ife.

 “We will be building on these achievements going forward, as we embark on the journey to sustain and improve the Southwest region in Scrabble development with youth development as the principal goal.”

Players were presented with various cash prizes and awards.

50 players from six states in the zone, including students featured at the event.