Azuh Pleasant Achalugo, the wunderkind of Nigeria Youth Scrabble — Mrs. Sabina Chikere

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye who was in Benin City 

 

 

The Executive Director of Sports Development and Operations, Edo State Sports Commission, (ESSC), Mrs. Sabina Chikere, has described the growth of the Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF), as remarkable and outstanding and unprecedented.

Mrs. Chikere, stated that the amount of young scrabble players at the just concluded Niger Delta Games is a shining testament of the development of the word and mind game in the country.

She made this statement in an exclusive interview with FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG's Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye. 

The renowned sports administrator, was stunned by the large numbers of young players at the Scrabble event with ten year olds clinching podium finishes.

Heading the long list of young scrabble who made their presence felt at the regional event is 10 year old, Pleasant Azuh Achalugo, from Akwa Ibom State.

The young scrabble amazon, didn't just take the center stage but she controlled it with absolute masterclass and dexterity, winning silver in the female doubles event.

Mrs. Sabina Chikere, was full of praise for the scrabble prodigy, describing her as the wunderkind of Nigeria Scrabble.

The young scrabbler was very impressed by her performance, stating that winning silver is a rare achievement for her age 

“I'm very happy that I took silver, I feel very happy that I was able to knock out some older players in the Scrabble circuit, it shows that I'm better than them. Every time I knock them off the board it motivates me to do more for scrabble in Nigeria,” she said.

Another young scrabbler of note at the historical event, is Covenant Okoridem, who secured a silver medal in the Team event. 

For Covenant it was a one-sided battle, crowned with unexpected blessings.

“I'm very happy for myself because during the Team event I didn't believe that I could win a silver medal, I was feeling like I'm going to fail because of the person I was playing with but God came through for me and I was victorious,” he stated.

He reserved abundant praises for his parents, stating that they are his scrabble lifeline. 

“My parents have always supported my scrabble journey, because they've always wanted me to improve, and scrabble is always about your vocabulary and mathematical skills. They've always wanted me to be the best. That's why anytime they hear about scrabble, they always want me to go,” he added.

He emphasized that his deep love for scrabble dates back 7, 8, years ago 

“My love for Scrabble started when I was 5 years old but I started reading when I was six years old, so far I've competed in two other events, with a gold medal to show for it,” he expressed.

Joining the list of young and talented scrabblers who took the stage at the event is Beulah Bassey, an eloquent words smith with passion for the game, she's a beauty with the brain of a scholar.

“I'm so excited to be a medalist at the games, last year I wasn't able to get a medal at the games, and I made a promise to myself that when I come back this year I'm surely going to make a difference, inline with their slogan, and I'm so grateful to God that my prayer and request has been granted.

“I feel so happy and delighted to participate in this wonderful program and a stepping stone that has helped coaches and scouts to discover talents from the south south region,” she expressed.

She showered praises on the Organisers of the grand event, stating that they deserve the respect of all athletes in the Niger Delta.

“It's really a great initiative and I want to thank them and to pray that God continues to bless them and to supply everything that is needed to make the next event successful and I'm going to see everyone in 2027,” she concluded.

For Mrs. Sabina Chikere, these words and not just the stories told by young children, but the results of years of hard work by athletes, coaches and the various state governments, brought to light by the Niger Delta Games.