President of the Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF), Bright Idahosa, has praised the National Sports Commission (NSC) for its increasing support of the sport, describing the inclusion of scrabble in the inaugural National Intermediate Games as a major milestone for its growth and development in Nigeria.
Speaking in a statement issued on Wednesday by NSF spokesperson Maxwell Kumoye, Idahosa said the decision to feature scrabble at the youth-focused competition in Lagos reflects the Commission’s commitment to expanding opportunities beyond the country’s traditional sporting disciplines.
According to him, the move will play a crucial role in talent identification and development, while providing a platform for young players to showcase their abilities.
“The National Sports Commission deserves immense credit for recognising the value of scrabble and giving the sport a platform at the inaugural National Intermediate Games,” Idahosa said.
“This is a significant step towards talent discovery and development, and it demonstrates a commitment to creating opportunities for athletes across different sports.”
The NSF president expressed optimism that the renewed attention on the sport would strengthen calls for scrabble’s reinstatement at the National Sports Festival when the next edition takes place in Enugu.
He noted that scrabble has consistently brought honour to Nigeria through international achievements and argued that its inclusion would enhance the festival’s reputation as a truly inclusive multi-sport event.
Idahosa also commended the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, for what he described as visionary leadership and a determination to create a more balanced sporting environment.
He credited Olopade with driving reforms aimed at supporting a wider range of sports and ensuring that athletes across different disciplines receive adequate opportunities to excel.
The NSF boss further lauded the NSC for facilitating Team Nigeria’s participation at the Causeway Championship in Thailand, describing the gesture as a clear indication of the Commission’s willingness to support athletes competing on the international stage.
“That level of support inspires athletes and administrators alike,” he said. “It showed that the NSC leadership is ready to stand behind Nigerian sports and celebrate excellence wherever it is achieved.”
Highlighting scrabble’s record of success, Idahosa stressed that the sport remains one of Nigeria’s most accomplished disciplines globally.
“Only scrabble and athletics have delivered senior world championship titles for Nigeria,” he stated. “That is a remarkable achievement and one that should not be overlooked.”
He called on government agencies and corporate organisations to invest more heavily in the sport, arguing that stronger partnerships would help sustain Nigeria’s status as a global powerhouse in scrabble.
Idahosa concluded by reaffirming the federation’s commitment to working closely with the NSC to expand participation, discover emerging talents and maintain the country’s competitiveness on the world stage.
With scrabble gaining renewed institutional backing and momentum, stakeholders within the sport are hopeful that a new phase of development and international success may be on the horizon.
