A new champion has emerged at the 2025 Lekki Scrabble Classics as Abdulmumin Jimoh powered through a competitive field to clinch the Premier Division crown, pocketing the ₦1 million cash prize and a trophy. Bukunmi Afolayan also etched her name in history, lifting the Championship Division title after an impressive run.
Jimoh sealed his triumph with one round to spare, amassing 14 wins, four defeats, and a cumulative spread of +1569. His consistency at the top board helped him stave off competition from John Ayedun (12-6, +820), David Ojih (12-6, +475), Larry Etuwa (12-6, +421), and Khaleel Adedeji (12-6, +217), who rounded out the top five. The Ogun State ace, fresh off strong finishes at the Bubble International Scrabble Tournament and the National Sports Festival, described his victory as the fruit of “hard work and continuous training.”
In the Championship Division, Afolayan displayed remarkable grit to halt the momentum of rising star Sophia Ekeruche, the reigning World Best Youth Female Player. Afolayan secured the title with 16 wins and a +1357 spread, while Ekeruche settled for second with 13½ wins and +1239.
The two-day event also highlighted the emergence of youth players, who unsettled seasoned competitors and added excitement to the contest. Lekki Scrabble Club President, Samuel Anikoh, praised participants and sponsors, affirming the Club’s commitment to nurturing talent at the school level.
This year’s edition drew players from Ghana, Uganda, and the United Kingdom, with sponsors including Loense International, Front-page Couture, Midasfarms, MGi, Elcrest E&P, Ayodele Thomas Consulting, Julyet Peters, and AGPC supporting the event. Deserving players received cash prizes and plaques at the colourful closing ceremony.
