The Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF) has expressed deep concern over the denial of an entry visa to one of its most talented players, Oluwatimilehin Doko, for the upcoming World English Scrabble Players Association Championship (WESPAC).
The prestigious tournament is set to take place in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States, from July 22 to 26. Despite the disappointment, the NSF remains hopeful for a reversal of the decision by the American Embassy.
Toke Aka, the President of the Nigeria Scrabble Federation, announced the distressing news over the weekend. Aka expressed gratitude that the majority of the team had been granted visas, except for Doko, a 400-level pharmacy student at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and currently ranked as the fourth-best player in the nation. The NSF believes that Doko’s visa denial may have been due to unfair stereotyping, considering his impressive performances in recent competitions.
Aka highlighted Doko’s achievements, emphasizing that he was among the top five players in the West African Scrabble Championship held in Accra, Ghana, last year. Furthermore, Doko had qualified for the African Scrabble Championship in Zambia, but unfortunately missed out due to circumstances beyond his control. His passport was held up in Bayelsa State during the devastating floods that occurred last year. Aka expressed concern that the visa denial may negatively impact Doko’s morale, hoping that it would not dampen his spirits.
The president of the NSF made a passionate plea to the U.S. Embassy, urging them to reconsider their decision and allow Doko to represent Nigeria at the WESPAC tournament. The scrabble community in Nigeria and across the continent is deeply saddened by the possibility of Doko’s absence, as his presence would have been a significant asset to Team Nigeria and the African contingent as a whole.
Oluwatimilehin Doko’s journey to becoming a part of Team Nigeria’s squad for the World Scrabble Championship began early last year. His outstanding performances in various domestic and international championships, such as winning the West Africa University Games Scrabble Championship, earned him a place among the country’s top players. He also excelled in the World Championship qualifiers held earlier this year.
As the NSF remains hopeful for a reversal of the visa decision, the scrabble community in Nigeria anxiously awaits news regarding Doko’s participation in the WESPAC championship. The absence of such a talented and promising player would undoubtedly be a significant blow to Team Nigeria and the entire African contingent, who were counting on Doko’s skill and expertise to make a mark at the prestigious international tournament.
 has expressed deep concern over the denial of an entry visa to one of its most talented players,){kind=link}