Idahosa lauds NSC for giving scrabble a new platform to grow

By Maxwell Kumoye 

The President of the Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF), Bright Idahosa, has praised the National Sports Commission (NSC) for what he described as a deliberate effort to create opportunities for sports that have consistently delivered international success for Nigeria.

Speaking on the inclusion of scrabble in the maiden National Intermediate Games in Lagos, Idahosa said the decision represents a major boost for the sport and a significant investment in the next generation of Nigerian scrabble players.

He noted that the competition provides a valuable avenue for discovering young talents and exposing them to organized competition at an early stage.

"The National Intermediate Games have opened a new chapter for scrabble development in Nigeria. For a sport that continues to produce champions and represent the country with distinction, this kind of support is both encouraging and necessary," Idahosa said.

"Every successful sporting nation builds from the grassroots, and by creating opportunities for young athletes, the NSC is helping to secure the future of Nigerian sports."

The NSF President said the federation views the Commission's support as a positive signal that scrabble is receiving the recognition it deserves within the country's sporting framework.

According to him, the federation remains hopeful that the sport will also regain its place at the National Sports Festival in Enugu.

"The National Sports Festival is Nigeria's biggest multi-sport event and we believe scrabble deserves to be part of that celebration. Our athletes have consistently demonstrated excellence at the international level and have made the country proud over the years," he said.

Idahosa also applauded the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Honourable Bukola Olopade, for championing policies aimed at giving more sports the opportunity to flourish.

"What stands out about Honourable Bukola Olopade is his readiness to support sports based on merit and potential. His administration has shown a willingness to engage federations and identify areas where support can make a meaningful impact," he stated.

"His vision aligns with the goal of building a sports industry where every federation has the opportunity to contribute to national success."

The NSF President further acknowledged the role played by the Commission in facilitating Team Nigeria's participation at the Causeway Scrabble Championship in Thailand.

He described the support as a demonstration of the NSC's commitment to ensuring Nigerian athletes continue to compete and excel on the international stage.

"The assistance we received for the Thailand championship was greatly appreciated. It showed that the Commission understands the importance of international exposure and remains committed to supporting athletes who proudly represent the country abroad," Idahosa said.

Reflecting on the achievements of the sport, Idahosa emphasized that scrabble remains one of Nigeria's most successful disciplines globally.

"Nigeria's scrabble players have won major continental and world titles, placing the country among the leading nations in the game. Those achievements have been earned through dedication, hard work and resilience," he noted.

"With greater institutional support and stronger corporate partnerships, there is no limit to what Nigerian scrabble can achieve in the years ahead."

He reaffirmed the federation's commitment to expanding grassroots programmes, strengthening competitions nationwide and working closely with the National Sports Commission to develop more champions for Nigeria.

Idahosa concluded by expressing confidence that the renewed collaboration between the NSF and the NSC would accelerate the growth of the sport and inspire a new generation of players to pursue excellence.

"The future is bright for scrabble in Nigeria. With the support we are receiving and the talent we have across the country, we are confident that even greater achievements lie ahead," he said.