Team Nigeria has gone into full “battle mode” ahead of the 2025 World English Scrabble Players Association Championship (WESPAC), which will take place in Accra, Ghana. The national camp opened in Lagos on Tuesday and the buzz is palpable.

Fifteen elite players and a seasoned technical crew have assembled, sharpening their wordplay and strategy for the global showdown featuring more than 30 nations.

Among the early arrivals are veterans Emmanuel Umujose, Larry Etuwa, Ben Quickpen, Adebola Samuel, and the ever-charismatic Chinedu “Sidespin” Thorpe, who joked upon checking in: “This is splendid accommodation. Thank you, NSF — I’ve just checked into 2B!”

Technical head Khaleel Adedeji, a newly elected member of the Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF), wasted no time rallying his squad: “Champions are made when no one is watching. We’re not just preparing for games; we’re building chemistry, focus, and a winning spirit. WESPAC mode — activated.”

NSF President Bright Idahosa confirmed the team will depart for Accra on Sunday, determined to reclaim world dominance.

Nigeria has long been a powerhouse in global scrabble — from Wellington Jighere’s world title in 2015 to the team’s gritty second-place finish in Las Vegas. This time, the mission is clear: bring the trophy home.

As tiles clatter and minds sharpen in Lagos, one thing’s certain — Team Nigeria isn’t just spelling words; they’re spelling destiny.