On a rainy night warmed by the colourful personalities and representatives from nine countries who were privileged to attend the maiden twin-tournament of the Pan African Scrabble Association (PANASA), the President’s Cup and the Dr Winifred Awosika Foundation African Youth Scrabble Championship, the Gala Night was a creamy icing on the four-day events.
Deserving individuals and groups from Kenya, Nigeria, Liberia, Cameroon, Uganda, Botswana, Ghana, Gambia and United States stepped forward majestically with some air of satisfaction and fulfillment as recipients received their awards based on their achievements which was well researched by the Local Organising Committee.
Among those recognised at the well-decorated hall on the historic night was Khaleel Adedeji.
Cheers and applause rendered the air as he was ushered to the stage by friends, associates and pals who had seen his magnificent turnaround from just an open player in the mindgame to a dynamic dude who has balanced playing, adjudicating, organising his own tournament to managing a club in the only league in the world, the Mindgame Scrabble Premier League (MSPL).
His team, co-owed with Akeem Akanni D’Warriors are presently pretty poised to win the Division B diadem where they sit at the pinnacle ahead of the final weekend in October, barring any failings because in scrabble, nothing is guaranteed.
The PANASA Young Gun Award finely fit the fireworks Dynamite as he’s fondly referred to by the inner scrabble cycle, packed in spreading his energy to every critical part of the sport despite his young age.
PANASA President Adekoyejo Adegbesan and American Sam Kantimathi presented the prestigious award to him.
“I was surprised when my name was called to pick the award. It was something I didn’t see coming. I have always been working hard not really for recognition but to actually promote the game I love.” He continued, “Dynamite Opens was birthed with the aim of giving the newbies and lower rated player an avenue to express themselves and develop amongst their peers. To be recognized for what I am doing means I am working on the right path and this renew my energy to give more in developing Scrabble.”
Meanwhile, the club has promised to subsidise players’ registration for the 2023 Lekki Scrabble Classic which holds from September 30 to October 1st by 50% as a way of putting them in high spirit for the final weekend of the Mindgames Scrabble Premier League (MSPL) coming up next month.
A week-long camping period will begin on October 3 at an undisclosed location in Lagos.
D’Warriors currently occupy the top place in Division B with a total of 38 wins from 50 games to solidify their lead on the overall table.
Four of D’Warriors’ players are ranked among the top 20 in individual standings.
D’WARRIORS MSPL ANALYSIS MATCHDAY 1,2&3
Team Position 1st
Team Win 27/36
Team win 72%
Expected Win = 20.2/36
Expected Win % = 55.8%
Individual Stats
1st. Khaleel Adedeji
22/36(wins), 61.1% win rate
Expected wins 16.9/36 (wins), 46.9% win rate.
2nd. Karo Onakpogbe
22/36 (wins), 61.1% win rate
Expected win 18.7/36, 51.9% win rate
3rd. Whiskey Godsfavor
23/36 (wins), 63.8% win rate
Expected wins 21.3/36, 59.2% win rate
4th. Okim Eugene
21.5/36 (wins), 59.7% win rate
Expected wins 22/36, 61.1% win rate
5th. Qamar Adebowale
13/24 (wins), 54% win rate
Expected win 14.2/24, 59.2% win rate
6th. Ajuluchukwu Okagbue 6/12 (wins), 50% win rate
Expected win 7.5/12, 61.1% win rate
