Chinedu Okwelogu is relishing the chance to represent Nigeria at the 2025 World English Scrabble Players Association Championship (WESPAC) in Accra, Ghana.
At 60, Okwelogu continues to defy age barriers and prove that Scrabble is a game of enduring intellect and limitless opportunity.
While many of his peers are embracing retirement, he is sharpening his wits for a global faceoff against younger, faster-thinking opponents at the world’s biggest Scrabble stage.
Okwelogu is one of 15 elite players selected by the Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF) to represent the country at the prestigious biennial event holding in Accra from November 9 to 17, 2025.
For him, the championship represents more than competition, it is a personal celebration of longevity, learning, and mental discipline.
The veteran first fell in love with Scrabble in 1973 before a brief foray into table tennis, returning to professional Scrabble in 1983.
His dedication to the game later inspired academic breakthroughs, helping him finally pass his O-Levels in 1986 after several failed attempts.
Through Scrabble, Okwelogu built a meaningful career and became employed within Kano State’s Scrabble community.
Now approaching his Federal Civil Service retirement on November 7, he remains active as a Tournament Scrabble Consultant, demonstrating what he proudly calls “the uncommon reality of Scrabble as a lifelong profession.”
“Scrabble can employ a person for life in multiple capacities,” Okwelogu said. “I’m fulfilled just by being an example of that truth.”
Across the global Scrabble scene, players well into their 70s still compete—and win.
Okwelogu takes pride in that tradition and hopes to inspire younger Nigerians with his consistency and passion.
Heading into WESPAC 2025, his goal is clear—to break into the Top 10, improving on his 68th-place finish at the 2009 Championship in Malaysia.
His preparation has been rigorous, with a sharp focus on mastering two- to six-letter words, crucial tools for elite-level play.
Team Nigeria will camp in Lagos for two weeks before heading to Ghana.
As he prepares for his next big challenge, Okwelogu’s story stands as proof that passion, purpose, and persistence can make age just another number on the board.
Nigeria, currently ranked second in the world, has been allotted 15 player slots for the global event—a reflection of the nation’s dominance in world Scrabble over the past decade.
The NSF Technical Committee carefully selected its finest representatives after a series of national and continental qualifiers.
Among the lineup are current African champion Oluwatimilehin Doko, former continental king Rex Ogbakpa,
PANASA President’s Cup winner Victor Godwin, Africa’s No. 2 George Ezinore, and world-rated star Abdulmumin Jimoh.
The full Team Nigeria squad are:
Oluwatimilehin Doko – Continental Champion
John Aiyedun – All Africa Championship Winner
George Ezinore – Africa’s No. 2, NSF Green Jacket Holder
Victor Godwin – President’s Cup Winner
Rex Ogbakpa – Former Continental Champion
Abdulmumin Jimoh – World Top-Ranked Player
Tega Okiemute
Samuel Adebola
Chinedu “Sidespin” Okwelogu
Emmanuel Umujose – EEAST Champion
Larry Etuwa
Ben Quickpen – 2024 NSF Gold Medalist
Tuoyo Mayuku – Africa’s Most Decorated Female Player
John Curtis Ebomah
Peter Ebomah
With this mix of experience, youth, and tactical brilliance, Team Nigeria heads to Accra not just to compete—but to conquer.
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