Bukunmi Afolayan etched her name in history on Sunday by becoming the first female champion of the South-West Closed Scrabble Tournament, held in Ile-Ife.

 

The Ogun State-born player delivered a remarkable performance across the 15-round competition, finishing with 12 wins and three losses, alongside a cumulative score of +655 points. She sealed the title after edging Jamiu Kareem 2–1 in the decisive King of the Hill (KOTH) rounds.

 

Afolayan’s triumph did not come easy, as Kareem mounted a strong challenge. The contest intensified after Afolayan lost her penultimate game, leaving her needing victory in the final round to secure the title.

 

“When I lost the penultimate game, I was tense because I knew I had to win the last one,” she said. “But I came with courage and was able to pull through.”

 

Reflecting on her historic achievement, Afolayan expressed both surprise and pride, crediting her recent dedication and preparation.

 

“I was surprised to win as the first female champion. I’ve been studying hard, even though I had a disappointing outing at the Olubango Invitational recently. But I stayed focused, and my preparation paid off,” she added.

 

Kareem finished as runner-up with 11 wins, four losses, and an impressive +941 cumulative points, while former national captain Cyril Umebiye also recorded 11 wins and four losses, placing third with +680 points.

 

Elsewhere, early frontrunner Abdulmumin Jimoh saw his campaign falter after a strong start, eventually finishing 12th following a poor run in the final rounds.

 

The South-West Coordinator, Monsur Akanbi, praised the quality of participation and highlighted the growing appeal of scrabble among young players. He particularly commended the involvement of students from Obafemi Awolowo University and Fountain University, describing it as a positive sign for the sport’s future.

 

Akanbi also noted that the tournament attracted attention beyond the region, with enthusiasts following the final rounds globally, underscoring the South-West’s continued dominance in Nigerian scrabble.

 

The event featured 50 players from six states across the zone, with winners receiving cash prizes and awards. Organisers say the success of this edition will serve as a springboard for further development, with a renewed focus on youth engagement and sustaining the region’s leadership in the sport.