Team Nigeria stun the world, dethrone USA to become kings of scrabble in Accra

...As Canada's Adam Logan wins the individual diadem

By Maxwell Kumoye in Ghana

In a blistering, history-bending performance that electrified Accra, Team Nigeria ripped the Best Country crown away from the all-powerful United States, storming to the summit of the 2025 WESPAC World Scrabble Championship and rewriting African Scrabble history in the process.

From Day One to Day Four, the 15-man Nigerian squad didn’t just compete, they ruled, turning the Ghanaian capital into a theatre of dominance.

And at the centre of the storm?

Oluwatimilehin Doko the 25-year-old sensation spearheading Nigeria’s conquest alongside Abdulmumin Jimoh, Tega Okiemute, Godwin Victor, and captain Rex Ogbakpa.

NIGERIA’S NUMBERS WERE BRUTAL

350 wins

+8975 cumulative points spread

54.7% winning ratio

These weren’t just statistics, they were a statement. A roar. A dethroning.

A message to the United States, who arrived with 19 players:

“This is Africa’s time.”

Two years ago in Las Vegas, Nigeria narrowly lost the Best Country title to the USA.

In Accra, they came for revenge and they collected it.

GHANA RISES — HOST NATION FIGHTS WITH HEART

While Nigeria stole the headlines, Ghana emerged as the soul of the championship, finishing a brilliant second place with 114 wins, ahead of continental rivals Kenya.

Led by the steady brilliance of

Stanley Ubiedi, Addo George, Charles Menson, Edwin Boamah, and Fatawu Bayenang,

the Black Star warriors lit up the halls with grit and flair.

Ghana’s brightest star?

Stanley Ubiedi, finishing 13th in the world with 20 wins and a +739 spread, a performance that had the home crowd on its feet.

AFRICA MAKES A STATEMENT

Behind Nigeria and Ghana, the continent surged, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Gambia, and South Africa all cracked the Top 10 in the Best Country standings, a resounding declaration that African Scrabble has stepped into a new era.

DOKO: AFRICA’S NEW SCRABBLE PRODIGY

In the individual category, debutant Oluwatimilehin Doko delivered one of the greatest African performances in WESPAC history, finishing 5th in the world after a fierce 21-win campaign with +1395 points.

He narrowly missed a place in the grand finale, but etched his name among the elite.

Not since Wellington Jighere’s world-shocking 2015 title and finished 4th two years ago, Doko is one of the very privileged African player hit such heights.

And Nigeria didn’t stop there, five Nigerians stormed into the prestigious Top 20, the best ever outing by any African nation:

★ Oluwatimilehin Doko

★ Tega Okiemute

★ Abdulmumin Jimoh

★ Godwin Victor

★ Rex Ogbakpa

The individual category title went to Adam Logan of Canada. He defeated Nigel Richards 4-2 in the best of 7 final.

CELEBRATION IN ACCRA AND A NIGHT TO REMEMBER

As the final tile was played, the green-white-green corner erupted. Nigeria partied deep into Saturday night, led by the newly elected NSF President, Engineer Bright Idahosa, who hailed the team’s unity, courage, and championship spirit.

“We are proud of your achievements,” Idahosa said, glowing.

“Your unity and resilience carried the true Nigerian spirit despite all challenges.”

Head coach Anthony Ikolo added, “This team gave everything. Toppling the USA after their 19-player strength shows the heart of champions.”

NEXT STOP, LAGOS

The triumphant team lands in Lagos on Monday, bringing home a crown Nigeria has chased for years.

NIGERIA DOMINATED. GHANA INSPIRED. AFRICA ASCENDED.

Accra didn’t just host a championship, it witnessed a revolution.

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