SCRABBLE PLAYERS SET FOR N20M SHOWDOWN AT 6TH GOV DIRI CLASSIC IN YENAGOA
By Chris Mark
Top scrabble players from Nigeria and the West Africa sub-region are set for the sixth edition of the Governor Douye Diri National Scrabble Classic, with a total prize money of about N20 million up for grabs.
The World English Scrabble Players Association (WESPA) and Pan African Scrabble Association (PANASA)-sanctioned tournament, the biggest on the Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF) calendar, will hold on August 1 and 2, 2026 in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.
According to a statement by the Chairman of Bayelsa State Scrabble Association (BYSA), Mr. Daniel Alabrah, day one of the championship will take place at the Matho Crystal Hotel, Imiringi Road, Yenagoa, while the final games and closing ceremony will be held at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, Government House, Yenagoa.
Governor Douye Diri, who is the Special Guest of Honour, is expected to attend alongside members of the state executive council.
Alabrah said an impressed Governor Diri increased the total prize money to about N20 million across five categories following the success of the fifth edition last year.
The star prize for the winner of the Master’s category has also been doubled from N1 million in 2025 to N2 million this year.
He noted that the governor’s sustained sponsorship in the past five years has expanded awareness of the board game and boosted interest among youths in Bayelsa and across Nigeria.
Alabrah commended Governor Diri for supporting sports beyond football, wrestling, swimming and boxing — areas where the state has a strong comparative advantage.
In his remarks, NSF President, Engr. Bright Idahosa, described the Governor Diri Classic as the tournament every top Nigerian scrabble player, including those in the diaspora, looks forward to annually.
“As a federation, we appreciate His Excellency Governor Douye Diri for hosting this tournament annually. It is the biggest championship in our calendar and every top player in our country wants to be a part of it.
“Besides, another attraction is the peace of Bayelsa and the hospitality of the people. For many of us, Bayelsa has become a second home,” Idahosa stated.
No fewer than 300 scrabble players are expected to participate in this year’s edition.
