Sports
How I Won The 2023 Lekki Scrabble Classics-Nwali
The tense muscles on Enoch Nwali’s face began to relax as they stretched into a smile, revealing a sigh of relief for the African champion as he confirmed his first-place position at the 2023 Lekki Scrabble Classics after a rigorous 18 rounds of games over two days.
Playing in the Nigerian circuit by any crowned champion in this game has shown that nothing is guaranteed as every player is capable of creating a devastating upset- the signature of the finicky game in Nigeria.
For Nwali who is the current African champion, the journey to the top was interestingly arduous despite having a dominating run, starting from the first day when he recorded a draw in round three against former African champion Moses Peter after 11 rounds.
His winning streak appeared to have ignited some flames as other top players took turns to challenge him on Table 1.
Former World Champion and two-time winner on the continent Wellington Jighere, Sunday Oshodi, and Timi Doko all tried to remove him by out-pointing him as games were running out but failed.
Only Olatunde Adigun on 13 wins, who has found good ground in Lekki in the past succeeded twice but faltered on his third attempt in the crucial 18th round for Nwali to win the coveted title and a prize of 500,000 naira with an unassailable result of 14 wins, one draw, and two defeats.
His impressive stats showed he played a total of 43 Bingos with an average of 2.4 per game while his opponents played 27 Bingos.
“I really don’t know what made me stand out but I was very calm even when l was losing a few at the closing stages, I wasn’t scared. I just didn’t allow the loss to get to me. What I just did was focus on the next game, and remain calm. Even when I knew I could have won the game against Adigun” he revealed.
Jighere came second with 13 wins same as Adigun, James Ewruje, Dayo Tayo, and Oshodi following suit but with different cumulative points.
Unexpectedly, the LSC2023 organizers would surprise all by awarding spot prizes to top three players in other categories.
In the intermediate, Dayo Tayo, Adowei Ebikeme, Akpojotor Ochuko, and Curtis John all got rewarded as well as Priscilla Akhabue who got 100,000 naira as the Best Female.
Dickson Iyelih, Kuye Ademola, James Eteng and Eniola Ashaolu were also rewarded as top Open players.
Adowei who was the immediate past President of Lekki Scrabble Club Adowei showed he was truly at home as he shocked bookmakers to claim the Most Valuable Player.
Players were also presented with opportunities to win with monetary rewards in every round once they could meet different criteria set during the tournament.
LSC President Engr. Samuel Anikoh commended all participants as he extolled members for the success of the Classics.
“I feel honored to be honest as the President of the club. It’s quite interesting that joining the club, I just felt I would play based on my childhood passion but things just evolved and I took up the mantle as the president. Under the leadership of Adowei Ebikeme, the former president he helped establish our tournament as a mainstay in Nigeria. “
“It’s been an exciting two days. Lots of players, lots of fun and I think worthy winners have emerged as well. Scrabble is an intellectual game and it’s also an interesting sport good for our youths especially children in schools.”
“We hope one day, players will be able to win as much as 10 million naira as prize money because it’s such a game that offers so much for development. We want support,” he said.
He thanked the management of Ikoyi Club 1938 where the LSC was held for its support in making the second edition more memorable.
Over 90 players from Lagos, Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, Ogun, Rivers, Edo, Delta, Osun, and Kwara states featured at the Classics.
Nigeria remains one of the strongest bases of Scrabble in the world and the best in Africa.
Sports
NSC, NOC Task Journalists on Gender Equality in Sports Reporting
Joel Ajayi
The Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, and the President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Engr. Habu Gumel and Chairperson of the NOC Women’s Commission, Professor Florence Adeyanju, have urged sports journalists to intensify awareness of women’s participation and achievements in sports.
They made the call on Monday in Abuja while speaking at the opening of a two-day seminar organised by the NOC Women’s Commission for sports journalists, aimed at promoting gender equality and improving media coverage of women in sports.
Olopade stressed that women could not be sidelined in Nigeria’s sports development, urging journalists to give greater attention to female athletes and their contributions to the sector.
In his remarks, Eng Gumel said the media had a significant role in shaping public perception of women in sports, noting that balanced and inclusive reporting would encourage more girls to participate and inspire women to take up leadership positions.
He described the seminar as a strategic initiative to change the narrative surrounding women’s participation and achievements in sports, while commending the Women’s Commission for its commitment to promoting gender equality.
According to him, the seminar was designed not merely to improve sports reporting but also to change the narrative surrounding women’s participation and achievements in the sporting sector.
He noted that the programmes had helped build capacity, provide mentorship and inspire women to contribute more effectively to sports development
The president described the journalists’ seminar as a strategic way to conclude the tenure of the current Women Commission, expressing satisfaction that its final programme focused on the media’s influence in advancing women’s participation in sports.
He urged participants to make the most of the seminar by engaging actively, asking questions and acquiring the knowledge needed to become advocates for women in sports journalism.
Earlier in her welcome addressed, the Chairperson of the NOC Women’s Commission, Professor Florence Adeyanju, called on journalists to use their influence to promote fairness, inclusiveness and equal opportunities for women and girls in sports.
Adeyanju observed that although sports had traditionally been perceived as a male-dominated field, many women had overcome barriers to participate and excel.
She noted that sports offered enormous benefits to girls, including improved skills, self-confidence and resilience, while opening doors to lifelong opportunities.
According to her, journalists’ reports, photographs and attitudes significantly influence public perceptions of female athletes, warning against coverage that prioritises physical appearance over sporting skills and achievements.
She urged participants to embrace modern sports reporting techniques that challenge stereotypes and remove barriers that have hindered women’s participation in sports.
Adeyanju also encouraged the journalists to share the knowledge acquired at the seminar and produce reports that would inspire future generations.
She expressed appreciation to Gumel and the NOC board for supporting the commission’s initiative.
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