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Players from 10 states including Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Kwara, Edo, Delta, Niger, Kogi, Cross River, and Anambra found expressions in the first-ever tourney in Ajegunle.
It was a rare convergence, a gathering of word lovers from the greats to the newbies as they all found common ground in Ajegunle City which had its first feel of the mind game over the weekend at the maiden BSP Scrabble Tournament in Lagos.
A rich list comprising former World Champion, current African King, the EEAST conquerors, King of the Jungle! and other 'word-leaders' while not forgetting the mesmerizing 9-year-old Saviour Onazi who was the face of the 2023 PANASA African Youth Scrabble Championship, ensured the occasion matched it's moment in history.
Players from 10 states including Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Kwara, Edo, Delta, Niger, Kogi, Cross River, and Anambra found expressions in the first-ever tourney in Ajegunle.
James Eruje, a homeboy, who had the elements in his favour, as he occupied Table One even at the last round witnessed a sudden twist as he was shaken off in a tough duel by the eventual champion Samuel Adebola.
The Ogun State-based player would emerge as the top man in a keenly contested competition having garnered 10 wins and 2 defeats, the same as second-placed Wellington Jighere (+769) and Eruje (+675) but with the highest cumulative points of +902 in Class A. He was presented with a cash prize of 250,000 naira.
" This BSP Scrabble Tournament is a wonderful one! I give God all the glory for this victory," exclaimed Adebola moments after he secured the victory in a tense mind game against a rugged Eruje.
"The final round of games was a very critical one and I knew that if I wanted to win this tournament, I must win with a healthy cumulative and that was what happened. Emotion is part of the game because we all want to win it but, I think God gave me the day.
"The organization was fantastic. The BSP Scrabble Club did a fantastic job, the well-traveled Medical Doctor said appending his seal of commendation on the team.
"From the arrangement of the hall to refreshments and for being able to do this magnificent job of putting all these together, it's kudos to them," he concluded.
Scrabble Amazon Bukunmi Afolayan was the first to appear in Class B as she was fourth on the overall table with nine wins and three defeats.
Sufyan Boluwatife and Gbadebo Olufemi completed the top three positions in that category. Ibikun Agbelekale was adjudged to be the best in Class C.
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