The maiden edition of the South-East Open Scrabble Championship has ended in Umuahia, with Abia State emerging as overall winners after an impressive performance across the competition.
Abia dominated the tournament, winning 18 games and recording one draw from 22 matches to secure the top position.
Final standings
Anambra State finished in second place with 16 wins and one draw, while Imo State claimed third position after recording 14 victories.
Enugu State and Ebonyi State placed fourth and fifth respectively, missing out on podium finishes in the regional championship.
Officials commend participants
Declaring the event closed, the Abia State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Nwaobilor Ananaba, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs Jane Igwe, expressed appreciation to Governor Alex Otti for supporting the hosting of the championship.
He also commended athletes from across the South-East for their discipline, focus, and sportsmanship throughout the competition.
Similarly, the Abia State Director of Sports, Obioma George, thanked participants for travelling from their various states to compete, noting that the event helped uncover new talents for both the region and the country.
Emerging talent and youth encouragement
The Most Valuable Player of the tournament, Chinedu Thorpe, encouraged young Nigerians to take interest in scrabble, describing it as a constructive way to channel energy positively and avoid involvement in crime.
Organisers say the championship has laid a foundation for future editions aimed at promoting intellectual sports and discovering new talents across the South-East region.
