Team Ogun clinched the state title at the 2025 Asaph Zadok National Scrabble Festival in Benin, Edo State, showcasing stellar strategy and teamwork with a tournament-leading mean rank of 12.33 points.
The powerhouse squad, featuring African champion Oluwatimilehin Doko, Samuel Adebola, Jimoh Abdulmumin, Tunde Saporu, Bukunmi Afolayan, and former national captain Cyril Umebiye, outmaneuvered rivals with commanding performances. Adebola shone brightest, winning 18 of 28 matches to propel Ogun to victory.
Lagos (16.43), Edo (21.17), FCT Abuja (20.50), Oyo (21.50), and Rivers (22.50) rounded out the top six. Ogun State Scrabble Association Chairman Adekoyejo Adegbesan praised the team’s preparation and spirit, crediting their success to rigorous training and support from the Ogun State Government and Sports Commissioner Hon. Wasiu Isiaka.
“This victory highlights what investment and planning can achieve,” Adegbesan said, noting the team’s focus now shifts to the National Sports Festival, which Ogun will host in May.
In the individual competition, Edo’s own George Ezinore claimed the prestigious Green Jacket, cementing his status as the festival’s top player.
The three-day event, organized by the Nigeria Scrabble Federation, remains the country’s premier national championship, drawing top talent from across the nation.