Nigeria Unveils 21-Player Squad For 2026 World Youth Championship

Nigeria Unveils 21-Player Squad For 2026 World Youth Championship

By BSN Sports 

The Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF) has announced a 21-player squad for the 2026 World Youth Scrabble Championship, scheduled to take place from August 7 to 9 at the Trademark Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The team features a blend of experienced youth champions and rising talents as Nigeria targets another impressive outing on the global stage.

Leading the contingent is Sophia Ebube Ekeruche, the 2025 World Best Female Player, alongside Abdulqodus Aliu, who narrowly missed out on the world title in his category in the previous edition.

Also selected are highly rated youngsters Khalid Olosun, Yusuf AbdulSalam, Roseline Emelike, Samuel Emelike, Victoria Chukwuemeka, Olamide Hassan, Khalifa Bello, Matilda Wilcox, Chosen Johnson, Victor Ayanwale, Farzana Kaka, Aneef Kelani, Abidah Fatai, Covenant Akamabong Okoridem, and the Onazi siblings—Saviour, Salvation and Triumph.

According to the federation, the players emerged from a rigorous two-day online qualification tournament conducted by the NSF's National Technical Director, Khaleel Adedeji, with support from National Youth Coach Hassan Olujoko.

Olujoko said the team will participate in at least one week of intensive camping ahead of the championship to sharpen preparations before departing for Kenya.

He also disclosed that a seven-member technical and administrative backroom staff will accompany the players to the tournament.

NSF President, Engineer Bright Idahosa, said the Nigerian delegation is scheduled to depart for Nairobi on August 5, allowing the team sufficient time to acclimatise before the championship begins.

More than 200 players from over 40 countries are expected to compete at the championship, making it one of the biggest gatherings of young Scrabble players worldwide.

In a further boost to Nigeria's campaign, the National Sports Commission (NSC) has pledged full government support for the team's participation at the prestigious event.

With a squad combining accomplished performers and promising prospects, Nigeria will be aiming to reinforce its status as one of the world's leading Scrabble nations when the championship gets underway in Nairobi.