Nigeria Unveils Squad for 2026 World Youth Scrabble Championship

The Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF) has announced a 21-player squad for the 2026 World Youth Scrabble Championship, set to take place from August 7 to 9, 2026, at the Trademark Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya. The team aims to make a strong statement against the world's best young scrabble players.

Leading the squad is the 2025 world’s best female player, Sophia Ebube Ekeruch, alongside Abdulqodir Aliu, who narrowly missed claiming the world title in his category last year. The squad features several highly-rated players, including Khalid Olosun, Yusuf Abdulsalam, and Roselin Emelik.

The selection process involved a rigorous two-day online qualification tournament organized by the NSF. The team will participate in a minimum one-week training camp to fine-tune their preparations before departing for Kenya on August 5, ensuring they have adequate time to settle before the competition.

The NSF president, Engin Bright Idahosa, confirmed that the Nigerian contingent is expected to attract 200 players from 40 countries, reinforcing Nigeria's reputation as a leading scrabble nation.