The Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF) has appointed Sufyan Olojoku as the captain of Team Nigeria for the Pan African Youth Scrabble Championship scheduled to take place in Syokimau, Machakos County, Kenya, from August 14 to 17.
NSF spokesperson Maxwell Kumoye confirmed the development in a statement issued on Friday in Lagos.
According to the federation, Olojoku’s selection was based on his “calm disposition, wealth of experience, and ability to relate well with other members of the squad.”
Olojoku has represented Kwara State since 2021. He won a silver medal at the National Youth Games that year and added two gold medals and another silver at the 2023 edition.
Internationally, he participated in the 2024 World Youth Scrabble Championship and the African Youth Scrabble Championship, where he placed fifth overall.
He is expected to compete in the Under-19 category. Olojoku completed his secondary education at Government Day Secondary School, Adewole, and is currently seeking admission to study Medical Laboratory Science at Kwara State University.
The 10-player Nigerian contingent will depart Lagos on Monday via Asky Airlines. Four of the athletes are sponsored by the Kwara State government, with Bayelsa State backing two others.
Lagos, Edo, Niger, and Akwa Ibom States are sponsoring one player each.
The female representatives include Sophia Ekeruche, Joy Eberechukwu Nwabuzor, and Eliana Igbe.
The male representatives are Saviour Onazi, Hassan Olojoku, Sufyan Olojoku, Abdulqudus Aliu, Khalid Olosun, Prestige Archibong, and Damilola Adeleke.
The Pan African Youth Scrabble Championship is organised by the Pan African Scrabble Association (PANASA) and features players from 11 countries competing in the Under-15 and Under-19 categories. About 150 participants are expected at this year’s event.
The tournament will be hosted by Brighton International School, a private day and boarding institution that offers the Competency-Based Curriculum and Cambridge programmes.
In addition to medals and trophies, a prize pool of $3,225 has been announced. Laptops, tablets, and gift items will be awarded to top performers, with the top 10 players in each category receiving a share of the prize fund.
