By Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa
Top Scrabble players from across Nigeria will converge on Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, this weekend for the fifth edition of the Governor Douye Diri National Scrabble Championship.
The two-day tournament, scheduled for August 2–3, will take place at the Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, Government House, Yenagoa.
A major fixture on the Nigerian Scrabble Federation (NSF) calendar, the championship is expected to draw more than 200 participants from across the country.
Chairman of the Bayelsa State Scrabble Association (BYSA), Mr. Daniel Alabrah, said the tournament—launched in 2021—has grown into Nigeria’s premier Scrabble competition.
This year’s edition will feature top players from both Nigerian and African Scrabble circuits, including world and continental champions.
Alabrah highlighted the event’s prestige, stating that the local organizing committee is fully prepared to deliver a highly competitive and professionally-run tournament.
The prize pool for this year’s championship exceeds ₦10 million, with the winner of the Masters category set to receive ₦1 million.
Additional cash prizes will be awarded to top performers in the Intermediate, Veterans, Open, and Student categories, as well as the highest-ranking female players—ensuring inclusivity across diverse skill levels and demographics.
“The Governor Diri Classic continues to raise the bar each year, attracting elite players and offering substantial rewards,” Alabrah said.
“This championship not only promotes Scrabble excellence but also helps foster a vibrant, national community of competitors.”
