The 2025 Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF) Inter-Club Finals officially began today at Florence Hotel and Suites, Benin City, Edo State, with eight top-tier teams vying for national glory Sports247 reports.
The tournament, organized by the NSF, features a lineup of elite clubs divided into two groups of four, following a draw conducted by Tournament Director Kaleel Adedeji and assistant Umar Faruq Baba-Inna.
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Group A features host team Benin Scrabble Club, Surulere Scrabble Club, Yenagoa Scrabble Club, and Central Scrabble Club B (Abuja).
Group B includes defending champions Pyramid Scrabble Club (Lagos), Port Harcourt Scrabble Club, Central Scrabble Club A (Abuja), and newcomers Gateway Scrabble Club.
Star-Studded Lineups and Rivalries
Pyramid Scrabble Club, led by captain Dipo Akanbi, returns as defending champions and boasts a formidable squad featuring multiple national champion John Aiyedun, veteran coach Ayo Akinfemisoye, Femi Simpson, and Bright Uzu.
First-time participants Gateway SC arrive with confidence, backed by African Champion Oluwatimilehin Doko and a strong cast that includes Abdulmumin Jimoh, Cyril Umebiye, David Ojih, and Hakeem Ogundokun.
Surulere SC, led by the charismatic Olumide Oyejide, are determined to better last year’s second-place finish in Ijebu-Ode. Though missing top players Hakeem Olaribegbe and Opeyemi Oloro, the team includes Joseph Okere, Timi Olaitan, Olatunde Adigun, and Effiong Bassey.
“Winning will be a big bonus for us, but we don’t want to finish outside the podium,” said Oyejide.
Port Harcourt SC brings a talented lineup comprising Telema Erekosima, Adeyemi Adesina, Chika Kalu, Kingsley Alozie, Bornfirst Dakorite, and Tamunosiki Fubara.
Yenagoa SC, under the leadership of captain Igali Precious, features Vincent Munanyo, Bright Ohaka, Ezekiel Eniekebi, and Doubra Enai, aiming to make history for their club.
Host club Benin SC is led by Idahosa Bright and NSF Asaph Zadok National Champion George Ezinore, joined by Onyehi Martins, Umukoro Oghomaria, Victor Osawe, and Izebere Choice.
Group Stage and Qualification Format
Each team will play 15 rounds in the group stage. The top two teams from each group will proceed to the semifinals.
The semifinal round will consist of five games, with the winners advancing to the final, while the losing teams will face off for the bronze medal.
Road to the Finals
Six clubs—CSC A, Gateway SC, Port Harcourt SC, Surulere SC, CSC B, and Yenagoa SC—secured their spots through zonal qualifiers.
Defending champions Pyramid SC and host team Benin SC were granted wild card entries.
As the competition unfolds in Benin City, the battle for supremacy in Nigerian club Scrabble promises to deliver high-level wordplay and intense rivalry.
 Inter-Club Finals officially began today at Florence Hotel and Suites, Benin City, Edo){kind=link}