After the successful hosting of the 2024 All Nigeria Amazons Scrabble Championship at the Benson Idahosa University , BIU, Director of Sports, Eunice James Adebayo, was stunned by the high level of organisation of the event and comaradine shown by the participants and described the Scrabble circuit in Nigeria as the most organized, friendly and united sporting family in the history of the country, Sports 247 reports .
She gave this verdict during the just concluded All Nigeria Amazons Scrabble Championship in Benin City, Edo State, South-South, Nigeria and confirmed the readiness of Benson Idahosa University to host next edition of the all Ladies affiar championship.
“I find it very difficult to go and sit down to watch my players. Like when I came in and I saw those beautiful girls and married women, and you are here, because of your love for this game, you want to stay here till the end. You just showed everybody here, to the world, that there is something very special about this game of scrabble,” she stated.
“I must congratulate the Scrabble Federation and those behind the All Nigeria Amazons Scrabble Championship for a job well done. This Championship is a win, win for the Nigeria women and the girl child,” she further emphasized.
36 players drawn from about 10 States of the Federation participated in the two-day Championship won by Oluwabukunmi Afolayan from Ogun State ahead of Joy Ola who is based in the tin city of Jos, Plateau State while, Divine Imode came third in a hotly contested competition.
Mrs. Eunice Adebayo -James, explained that scrabble is not just about the game of words and mind but a sport that unites and bonds players and officials beyond the board and competition.
UNIQUE ENCOUNTER
“I remember I had some two male players from nowhere just enter the school that they were called to come and take scholarship. They said, you give a scholarship, so they want to go to school, and I said, who called you?
“I said, your name is not on the list. The question is, do you want to send them back? And the first person I called was coach Bright Idahosa. I don’t know how they got here, but let’s sort this out. Those students, their names were not on the scholarship list for the last academy session. And let me tell you, the Scrabble team came together and paid their trip to this,” she related a very touching experience.
“I’ve never seen any sports like scrabble. I’ve been in sports for 21 years as director of sports 21 years, I’ve never seen any sport that supports each other like scrabblers,” she added.
Mrs. Adebayo -James, explained that Benson Idahosa University is partnering with the Organizers of the All Nigeria Amazons Scrabble Championship, Words and Wits as they prepare for the next edition of the event.
“Benson Idahosa University (BIU), is opening its facilities for use for the next edition of the All Nigeria Amazons Scrabble Championship, like I said, the president of Benson Idahosa University and the entire management like supporting women initiatives that projects the women and the girl.” She further emphasized.
And in a bid to encourage and develop the game of words at the Benson Idahosa University, the school is working hand in hand with the National Youth head coach Samuel Eromosele.
“That’s why Benson Idahosa University is investing in the sport, once they say this is what we want, I’ll say, okay, sir, we are getting it, and they always get the best.”
Benson Idahosa University promised to reward young and talented female players with scholarships if they win the future All Nigeria Amazons Scrabble Championship.
