The Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF) has confirmed that its 21-player squad for the 2026 World Youth Scrabble Championship will depart for Nairobi on 5 August, two days ahead of the tournament’s 7-9 August start at the Trademark Hotel.
NSF President, Engineer Bright Idahosa, said the departure date would give the team adequate time to settle before competition begins. National Youth Coach Hassan Olujoko said the players would first undergo a minimum one-week training camp in Nigeria to fine-tune preparations before travelling, and confirmed a seven-member backroom staff would accompany them for technical and administrative support.
The squad is headed by 2025 World Best Female Player, Sophia Ebube Ekeruche, and Abdulqodus Aliu, runner-up in his category at last year’s championship. Other named players include Khalid Olosun, Yusuf AbdulSalam, Roseline Emelike, the Onazi siblings — Saviour, Salvation and Triumph — Samuel Emelike, Victoria Chukwuemeka, Olamide Hassan, Khalifa Bello, Matilda Wilcox, Chosen Johnson, Victor Ayanwale, Farzana Kaka, Aneef Kelani, Abidah Fatai and Covenant Akamabong Okoridem.
The squad was selected through a two-day online qualification tournament organised by NSF National Technical Director, Khaleel Adedeji, with Olujoko’s support.
The championship is expected to draw more than 200 players from over 40 countries. The National Sports Commission has assured the federation of government support for the team’s participation
