Team Nigeria is edging closer to its second Pan African Youth Scrabble Championships crown as the players continued their impressive run of form on Day 2 of the tournament in Nairobi, Kenya. The young Nigerians remain dominant across the individual and team categories, setting the stage for a thrilling finale.

Aliu Leads the Pack in U-19 Category

In the U-19 division, Abdulqudus Aliu has emerged as the standout performer, recording 13 wins out of 14 games. His only loss came in the much-anticipated “Ghana–Nigeria Jollof Series” against Ghana’s Aquila Delali, who secured a 90-point victory margin (455–365).

Despite the setback, Aliu remains firmly in command of the leaderboard. Nigeria’s Prestige Archibong is hot on his heels with 11 wins, tied with Kenya’s Olive Alila, but Archibong edges the Kenyan on cumulative points.

Team captain, Sufyan Olojoku, also impressed with 10 victories, amassing a strong 2003 cumulative points to sit in fourth place. Fellow Nigerian, Joy Nwabuzor, has matched his 10 wins, though with 904 points. The close race is also keeping Ghana’s Aquila Delali and Kenya’s trio of Ryan Omondi, Israel Otieno, and Valerie Wanyra in contention with nine wins each.

Ekeruche Shines in U-15 Division

Nigeria’s Sophia Ekeruche, fondly nicknamed the “Star Girl from the City of Aquatic Splendour,” is in a league of her own in the U-15 category. She remains unbeaten after 10 rounds, with an impressive cumulative tally of 2166 points.

Her compatriot, Hassan Olojoku of Kwara State, supported by the state government, follows closely with nine wins and 1348 points. Nigeria’s Abidah Fatai and three Kenyan challengers are also battling hard, each securing eight wins to stay within striking distance of the podium.

Meanwhile, Eliana Igbe and Aneef Kelani are keeping pace, ensuring Nigeria maintains a strong presence across the board.

Nigeria, Kenya Lock Horns in Team Contest

The team event is shaping into a straight fight between Nigeria and host nation Kenya. Both sides are miles ahead of the competition, leaving Ghana and Uganda to jostle for third place.

With Aliu, Ekeruche, and their teammates maintaining momentum, Team Nigeria looks well positioned to reclaim the Pan African Youth Scrabble Championships title and reaffirm its continental dominance in the game.