Top Players Set For Gov Diri Scrabble Classic

Top players in the Nigerian and African scrabble circuit are set for Season Four of the Governor Douye Diri National Scrabble Championship in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

The three-day event will hold at the Harold Dappa-Biriye Conference Centre in Onopa, Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital from August 23-25, 2024.

Chairman of the Bayelsa State Scrabble Association, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, said in a statement on Thursday that some of the Masters that will participate include current African champion, Enoch Nwali, who won the third edition of the championship, as well as Godwin Victor, winner of the Pan Africa Scrabble Association (PANASA) President’s Cup.

Others are former African champions, Rex Ogbakpa and Moses Peter and All Africa Games bronze medallist, Tega Okiemute.

Alabrah also confirmed that highly-rated female player, Tuoyo Mayuku, former national champion, Dipo Akanbi, John Aiyedun, Abdulmumin, Jimoh, Emmanuel Umujose, Chinedu Thorpe are among the Masters that would be in Yenagoa for the classic.

The BYSA chairman said registration has commenced and closes on August 21. Late registration attracts a penalty.

Alabrah applauded the sports-loving duo of Governor Douye Diri and his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, for their immense support to scrabble and other sports.

He also commended the Commissioner for Sports, Daniel Igali, for fleshing out the governor’s vision for sports development in the state.

“Today, Bayelsa is not only known for football, wrestling, boxing or swimming. Scrabble has also placed the state’s name at the top of sporting events in Nigeria due to the vision and commitment of our sports-loving governor,” he said.