Scrabble stars converge in Bayelsa for N2Om Gov. Diri Classic
By Uzor Odigbo
Nigeria’s leading scrabble players and some of West Africa’s finest wordsmiths will gather in Yenagoa next weekend for the sixth edition of the Governor Douye Diri National Scrabble Classic, where a record prize pool of nearly ₦20 million awaits competitors.
Recognised as one of the flagship events on the Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF) calendar, the championship is sanctioned by the World English Scrabble Players Association (WESPA) and the Pan African Scrabble Association (PANASA). It will take place on August 1 and 2, 2026.
The opening rounds will be played at Matho Crystal Hotel on Imiringi Road, while the finals and closing ceremony are scheduled for the DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall at the Bayelsa State Government House.
Governor Douye Diri, the tournament’s chief host and Special Guest of Honour, is expected to attend the closing ceremony alongside members of the Bayelsa State Executive Council.
According to the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Scrabble Association (BYSA), Daniel Alabrah, the governor approved a significant increase in the tournament’s prize fund after the success of the 2025 edition, raising the total rewards across five categories to almost ₦20 million.
The biggest beneficiary of the increase is the prestigious Masters category, where the eventual champion will pocket ₦2 million, twice the amount awarded to last year’s winner.
Alabrah said Governor Diri’s unwavering support has helped elevate the status of scrabble in Bayelsa, encouraged more young people to embrace the game, and reinforced the state’s growing reputation as a destination for major sporting events.
He also praised the governor for extending his investment beyond conventional sports such as football, wrestling, swimming and boxing, noting that scrabble has flourished under his administration.
Nigeria Scrabble Federation President, Engineer Bright Idahosa, described the Governor Diri Classic as the country’s most prestigious scrabble tournament, attracting elite players from within Nigeria and the diaspora every year.
“We remain grateful to Governor Douye Diri for his consistent commitment to this championship. It has become the competition every serious scrabble player wants to be part of because of its quality, organisation and prestige.”
“Bayelsa also offers a peaceful atmosphere and exceptional hospitality, which is why many of us now feel completely at home whenever we come here,” Idahosa said.
This year’s edition is expected to attract more than 300 players, setting the stage for another thrilling contest in what has become one of Africa’s premier scrabble competitions.
