MONROVIA — Nigeria’s Abdulmumin Jimoh has been crowned champion of the 16th African Scrabble Championship (ASC 2026), spearheading a clean podium sweep for his country as host nation Liberia’s top seed, Jonathan Wesley,finished 14th overall.
By Christopher C. Walker, [email protected]
Jimoh, Nigeria’s top seed, navigated the four-day continental showcase with 23 wins and nine losses, compiling a massive cumulative spread of +1,760 points to secure the title after 32 rounds of play in Monrovia.
Despite losing his final-round match 493–430 to fellow countryman Ezinore George, Jimoh clinched the championship on points margin.
Both players ended the tournament tied with identical 23–9 match records. However, Jimoh’s superior cumulative spread of +1,760 surpassed George’s +1,005 by 755 points to lock down first place.
George took second place, while fellow Nigerian Emmanuel Umujose captured third place with a 21–11 record (+1,489 spread).
Beyond the top three, Kenya’s Gitonga Nderitu claimed fourth place (21–11, +1,290 spread), closely followed by Nigeria’s Larry Etuwa in fifth (21–11, +1,087 spread). Ghana’s Charles Tachie Menson took sixth place (21–11, +1,006 spread).
Jimoh Expresses Gratitude After African Scrabble Championship Triumph
After winning the African Scrabble champion Abdulmumin Jimoh has expressed profound gratitude to God, Nigerian sports authorities, teammates, coaches, family members and supporters following his victory at the 16th African Scrabble Championship in Monrovia, Liberia.
Jimoh described winning the continental title as the biggest moment of his career so far, saying he did not take the achievement for granted.
“My heart is full of gratitude. Winning the 16th African Scrabble Championship is the biggest moment of my career so far, and I do not take it for granted,” Jimoh said in a statement following his triumph.
The Nigerian credited Almighty God for the grace and strength that carried him through the championship. He also acknowledged the Nigeria Scrabble Federation, led by Engr. Bright Idahosa, for its support and confidence in the team, while thanking the National Sports Commission for helping make Nigeria’s participation possible.
Jimoh reserved special appreciation for his teammates, coach Sir Anthony Ikolo and team officials, describing their unity, encouragement and camaraderie as important parts of the victory.
He also commended the Pan African Scrabble Association (PANASA) and the National Scrabble Association of Liberia for organizing what he described as a historic championship.
The champion further recognized the role of his family, friends, clubmates and fans, whose prayers and encouragement supported him throughout the competition. He also thanked his mentors, Sammy Okosagah and former world champion Wellington Jighere, for their guidance and words of encouragement.
Jimoh extended his appreciation to his fellow competitors, noting that their participation made the tournament a true test of champions.
Looking ahead, the new African champion said his continental success would motivate him to work harder and continue representing Nigeria with distinction on the global stage.
“This is just the beginning. I will continue to work harder to represent Nigeria well on the global stage,” he said.
Wesley Leads Liberian Contingent
Jonathan Wesley led Liberia’s 34-man delegation, emerging as the host nation’s top performer by finishing 14th overall with a 19–13 record and a +1,258 spread.
Right behind him was compatriot Garkpah Gologo Benjamin, who staged one of the tournament’s standout performances.Entering the championship ranked 35th, Garkpah climbed 20 spots to finish 15th overall (19–13, +927 spread), earning a US$400 cash prize for his effort.
Earlier in the standings, Roland Boykai placed 12th with a 20–12 record (+175 spread), securing his spot alongside Wesley and Garkpah as Liberia’s top finishers.
Other notable Liberian performances included:
Fomba Swaray: 21st place (19–13, +315 spread)
Joseph Gegeh: 22nd place (18.5–13.5)
Lemuel Gibson: 27th place (18–14)
Snosio Twegby: 30th place (18–14)
Ghana’s Kyeremateng Takes US$750 Prize
In the female category highlights, Ghana’s Betty Kyeremateng finished 13th overall with 20 wins and 12 losses (-184 spread), walking away with US$750 in prize money.
Her performance, paired with Menson’s sixth-place showing, underscored a strong tournament for Ghana alongside Kenya’s top-five finish.
32 Rounds of Continental Action
The 16th edition of the biennial championship brought together over 120 players from 24 African nations to the Liberian capital.
First held in 1994, the ASC remains the premier showcase for word power and board strategy on the continent.
Liberia, hosting the event offered local players vital exposure against elite international competition, highlighted by Wesley’s top-15 finish and Garkpah’s dramatic rise up the rankings.
Final Top 3 Standings:
1. Abdulmumin Jimoh (Nigeria) — 23 wins, 9 losses | +1,760 spread
2. Ezinore George (Nigeria) — 23 wins, 9 losses | +1,005 spread
3. Emmanuel Umujose (Nigeria) — 21 wins, 11 losses | +1,489 spread
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