RismadarVoice Reporters
October 10, 2026
The President of the Pan African Scrabble Association (PANASA), Adekoyejo Adegbesan, has expressed confidence that Nigeria can successfully defend its title at the 16th African Scrabble Championship scheduled for October 22 to 25, 2026, in Monrovia, Liberia.
Adegbesan said Nigeria remained a strong contender despite the departure of several experienced players who had relocated abroad.
Nigeria has won 14 of the previous 15 editions of the championship, establishing an impressive record in continental Scrabble competitions.
Speaking on the country’s preparations, Adegbesan acknowledged that the loss of some established players could affect the national team but maintained that Nigeria still possessed sufficient talent to compete successfully.
He identified Uganda and Kenya as two countries capable of challenging Nigeria’s dominance, warning that both nations had developed competitive players.
According to him, the championship could witness a keen contest among Nigeria, Uganda and Kenya, although he remained optimistic about Nigeria’s prospects.
Adegbesan also commended Liberia for its preparations to host the continental tournament.
He praised the country’s Ministry of Sports for supporting the Liberian Scrabble Association and assisting with organisational arrangements, including promotional materials for the championship.
The PANASA president expressed optimism that the preparations would contribute to a successful competition and provide participating countries with an opportunity to showcase their talents.
Meanwhile, PANASA has announced an additional registration opportunity for players who were unable to qualify through their national associations’ initial selection processes.
In a statement issued on October 9, 2026, the association explained that eligible players could still participate in the championship, provided their applications received formal endorsement from their respective national Scrabble associations or federations.
The association emphasised that individual registration would not be accepted without approval from the relevant national body.
PANASA fixed the registration fee at $300 per player, the same amount applicable to diaspora participants.
National associations were consequently encouraged to communicate the additional registration opportunity to eligible members interested in participating.
Adegbesan, who has been active in competitive Scrabble since the 1990s, also serves as Chairman of Gateway Scrabble Club in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, and previously chaired the Ogun State Scrabble Association.
The forthcoming championship will bring together players from across Africa, with Nigeria seeking to extend its continental record while other participating nations compete for the title.
