Startling details have emerged about how a sudden bout of illness stopped Nigerian Scrabble sensation, Oluwatimilehin Doko from retaining his African title this past weekend, despite showing a bright start in the contest.
Sports247 gathered that the 2025 winner actually scaled 17 rounds of this year’s contest in Monrovia, Liberia but had to give way when his health condition began to deteriorate and he eventually bowed out gallantly.
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Following Doko’s sad withdrawal, another Nigerian player and fast-rising sensation, Abdulmumin Jimoh produced a remarkable comeback to emerge as champion at the 16th African Scrabble Championship, during which Nigeria also won the best country award ahead of Kenya and the hosts, Liberia.
Jimoh finished top of the 110-player field with 23 wins and a total cumulative of +1,760 points, ahead of another Nigerian, George Ezinore, who got the same number of victories but settled for second place with a spread of +1,005.
A third Nigerian ace, Emmanuel Umujose, completed the podium spots in third position, as Kogi State-born Jimoh romped back from sixth spot after two rounds rounds, despite recording six wins and increasing his spread to +1,040.
Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF) spokesperson, Maxwell Kumoye added, “With the title race reaching its climax, Jimoh launched his final assault on the last day, stringing together impressive performances to move into contention for the championship.
“His victory over Larry Etuwa, 430–362, in round 31 took him to 23 wins and a spread of +1,823, putting him in a clear and strong position to secure the title before losing his final game to Ezinore, Nigeria’s reigning national champion.
“Ezinore also maintained pressure in the closing stages, defeating Kenya’s Gitonga Nderitu 510–339 to strengthen his position in second place (with) 22 wins and a spread of +942, trailing Jimoh by one victory and 881 spread points.
“Despite Ezinore’s final-round victory over Jimoh, the latter’s accumulated points across the tournament proved decisive, earning him the continental crown.
“Abudulmumin Jimoh succeeds another Nigerian and clubmate Oluwatimilehin Doko won who the biggest continental diadem two years ago in Kigali while George Ezinore finished second just as he did this year.
“We gathered that Doko fell ill during the grueling competition as he managed to win 17 games (while) Nigeria’s Sophia Ekeruche, recognised as the World’s Best Female Junior Player in both 2025 and 2026, finished second in the female standings with 18 wins.”
Sports247 gathered further that the climax in Monrovia reflected Nigeria’s strength in African Scrabble, with Jimoh leading his compatriots in the top three overall standings while their country also secured the best team accolade.
