In a landmark achievement for African youth in competitive mind sports, Nigeria’s Abdulqudus Olawale Aliu and Sophia Ebube Ekeruche etched their names into history at the World Youth Scrabble Championships held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The duo became the first Africans ever to finish on the podium at the prestigious global event, marking a turning point for the continent’s presence in international Scrabble.
Aliu, the team captain, delivered a commanding performance throughout the tournament, securing 19 wins out of 24 games and amassing 1406 cumulative points. His efforts earned him the silver medal, finishing just behind India’s Madhav Gopal Kamath, who clinched the top spot with 21 wins and 2354 points. Pakistan’s Aehzam Ahmed rounded out the podium in third place.
Sophia Ekeruche, meanwhile, blazed her own trail by becoming the first African female to win the Best Female title at the championship. The reigning U-15 African Youth Scrabble Queen showcased remarkable consistency and resilience, winning 15 games and drawing two across the tournament. Her final tally of 867 points placed her 12th overall among 218 players from 16 countries—a stunning feat for the young prodigy.
Their success was not just personal but symbolic, representing a breakthrough for African representation in a sport long dominated by players from Asia, Europe, and North America. Backed by the Lagos State Scrabble and Monopoly Association and the Nigeria Scrabble Federation, Team Nigeria’s performance signals a new era of global competitiveness and ambition.
Aliu and Ekeruche’s triumphs have sparked celebration across Nigeria and inspired a new generation of word warriors. Their journey from national youth champions to global podium finishers is a testament to talent, preparation, and the growing infrastructure supporting Scrabble in Nigeria.
