ABUJA – Lagos State Scrabble Coach, Ayo Akinfemisoye, on Saturday in Abuja said he was sure his team would emerge the 2016 national scrabble champions.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Akinfemisoye said the state government had made necessary provisions to make his players comfortable to win the championship.
“The Lagos state government is a sports-loving government, and it is trying everything within its power to encourage sports. That is the reason why we are here.
“The Secretary of the state scrabble association is also here to give the players support and spur them to victory,’’ he said.
Akinfemisoye said the state team had left no stone unturned in making sure that they emerged national champions.
“My players are up to the task. They are doing well, although the stage is so unpredictable because it is full of world-class players.
“But we have the world-class player in our midst. He is currently leading the pack. In the first 15 games, he did not drop a game.
“However, I am happy to say also that one of my players from Lagos has just beaten him. That shows how determined we are.
“It also underscored how much my players want to really make history for themselves and become champions,’’ he said.
The coach said his players were among the first 20 on the scores tablet and he was confident they would make progress.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Kano State Scrabble Club, Augustine Isiekwe, has also said his state would retain their trophy.
“We are assiduously making efforts to retain the trophy we won two year ago. We have organised a number of seminars to sensitise our members.
“I think with God on our side we are going to retain our trophy, even though, because of operational reason, one of the top players did not come.
“Notwithstanding, two of my players are in the top eight on the scores tablet. So, by the time the championship comes to a close, I believe we will be among those who made it,’’ he said.(NAN)
