Abeokuta witnessed an impressive display of word prowess as Cyril Umebiye emerged victorious at the South-west Closed Scrabble Championship.
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The former national scrabble captain showcased his skills by maintaining a flawless record of six wins in the initial six rounds of the 12-round tournament.
Hakeem Olaribigbe from Lagos State secured the second position, while Dipo Akanbi took the well-deserved third place. Umebiye, jubilant after his win, expressed his gratitude and acknowledged the challenging nature of competitions in Nigeria’s scrabble scene.
“It’s been a while since I won a tournament… going to almost two to three years now.
The terrain is tough in Nigeria, even if it was a 10-man retreat, it’s always difficult to win. I just thank God for this title,” Umebiye humbly stated.
The triumph was made even sweeter as Umebiye dedicated his victory to his wife, who had consistently motivated and challenged him to succeed in his tournament endeavors.
Reflecting on the competition, he noted the increased level of competitiveness, particularly due to the rise of tertiary students who have swiftly ascended the rankings.
Their rapid transition from Opens to intermediate and master categories in just a year or two is a testament to their dedication and preparation.
In the intermediate category, Tunde Saporu of Ogun State secured victory, landing fourth overall. Meanwhile, Bukunmi Afolayan, also from Ogun State, claimed the title of Best Women’s Player. Collins Okafor and Olabode Olabiyi triumphed in the Opens and Veterans categories respectively.
The South-West Zonal Coordinator, Emmanuel Egbelle, expressed immense satisfaction with the event’s organization, praising the choice of venue, Abeokuta, and the splendid facilities provided.
Egbelle lauded the turnout of nearly 80 players, acknowledging that some entries had to be turned down due to late registration.
The championship’s significance goes beyond the regional competition, as it serves as a preparation ground for players gearing up for the 2024 National Sports Festival.
Egbelle commended the Ogun State Scrabble Association (OSSA) for their exemplary hosting of the event, which attracted players from various states within the zone.
With a vibrant atmosphere and enthusiastic participation, the South-West Closed Scrabble Championship once again highlighted the passion and dedication of Nigeria’s Scrabble community.
The event not only celebrated the triumph of Cyril Umebiye but also showcased the remarkable growth and commitment of players across the region.
