Nigeria, Giant In Scrabble – NSF President

The National President of the Nigeria Scrabble Federation, Olobatoke Aka, has described the country as a giant in the game of scrabble.

Aka told newsmen at the weekend in Uyo shortly after the first round matches of the 5th Godswill Akpabio International Scrabble Classics, that youths in the country had relative advantage over other youths in the sport.

He urged youths to take to sport because there were lots of advantages in it.

“It is a game that the country needed to encourage the youths to play as it can go a long way in helping them to improve their written and spoken English,” he stressed.

He said that scrabble was never a dull man’s game, stressing: “It is an intellectual game because it has to do with the mind and physical well being.

“It also helps the players to exercise their hands through movement of the hands while playing the game.’’

On defending champions of the past edition of the competition, Moses Peter said he was optimistic that it was going to re-emerge as champion.

Aka, who said he had been champion in five previous editions, claimed that he defeated Pakorn Nemitramansuk of Malaysia. “I am currently the highest ranked player in the country.

“As regards scrabbles and general aspects of life, I believe everything is achievable. One just has to be focused and victory must come your way.

“Akpabio Classics stands out as one of the best around the globe.

“Akpabio Classics is the most prestigious tournament and we give kudos to Gov. Akpabio for providing us the opportunity to take part in what we could have gone outside the country to benefit from,’’ he added.

The event had been split into four categories, Masters, Intermediate, Opens and Veterans.

No fewer than 300 players are participating in the tournament being held at the Le’ Meridien Ibom Hotels and Golf Resort, Uyo.

The prize money are: N2 million for the overall winner, N900,000 for the second position and N600,000 each for the two junior categories.