The convener of the Emmanuel Egbele Annual Scrabble Tournament (EEAST) has congratulated Enoch Nwali for winning the 14th African Scrabble Championship which was concluded in Zambia on Monday.
The ‘Drummer Boy’ beat his way to the title in a remarkable fashion as he led from day one to cap a memorable championship on the final day with a significant victory over closest adversary and compatriot Wellington Jighere in round 31.
Incidentally, Nwali’s feat at the continental level was similar to what played out on his way to claiming the top title of Sophomore edition of the EEAST in June when he overcame the 2015 World Champion in an intriguing encounter at the prestigious Eko Hotel.
Emmanuel Egbele said the introduction of the EEAST as a tournament has underlined the importance it played in preparing the players for an international competition like the ASC.
He stated that he was elated the EEAST has contributed in no small measure to the successes of Nwali and the entire Nigerian team by providing one of the best platforms for arming them ahead of challenges at the international scene.
Egbele also commended Team Nigeria for the overall success recorded at the ASC where the country won a record 13th title.
The South-West Zonal Coordinator of the Nigeria Scrabble Federation appreciated the scrabble community and the NSF board for making this year an engaging one.
“I want to congratulate the reigning champion of the Emmanuel Egbele Annual Scrabble Tournament (EEAST) Enoch Nwali for winning the 14th African Scrabble Championship in faraway Zambia” he said, “This victory goes to show that with adequate preparations and the right environment, our players can go out and create some magic of their own. We are glad that the EEAST served us a foretaste of what played out in Lusaka because both Nwali and Jighere the World Champ, met in a similar scenario at the tournament in June”
“Call it a rematch and you won’t be wrong but this a victory for the Nigerian scrabble family. I want to commend everyone for this success. We have kept ourselves busy all through the years with one form of competition to the other. The EEAST is also happy to be a part of this success story but we will not rest in delivering the best of scrabble experience even as we prepare for the WESPA Championship holding next year in the US.”
He urged Nwali and other players not to relent as the third installment of the tournament would be vital to the country’s preparation for the World Championship holding next year in Las Vegas, USA.
