National Sports Commission Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko welcomed Nigeria's victorious scrabble team on Friday, celebrating their impressive achievement of clinching the African Scrabble Championship in Kigali, Rwanda. 

Recognizing their dedication and hard work, Dikko appreciated the team with a personal donation of N2 million.

24-year-old Oluwatimilehin Doko emerged as the winner of the 15th African Scrabble Championship. He now joins 12 other Nigerians who have been crowned champions in the 14 instances when Nigerian players have claimed the title.

During the event, Dikko reiterated his vision for a culture of long-term planning in Nigerian sports, aiming to establish a foundation for sustained success. 

He stated thus, “your success validates what we are preaching about focusing on domestic development before aiming for trophies. Hard work brings rewards, and if you do the right thing, you will get results.”

Dikko also praised the scrabble team’s consistent competitive schedule, noting that regular participation in national tournaments keeps athletes sharp and prepared.

To build on this success, Dikko highlighted the importance of structured planning and encouraged sports federations to present their yearly programs to the NSC very early into the start of the next calendar year.

 “This will help us to plan well and provide the necessary support for tournaments, as well as monitor progress,” he explained. 

With this support and a commitment to strategic planning, Dikko envisions a stronger path forward for Nigerian sports on both the domestic and international stage.