The 2026 Lekki Scrabble Classics is set to provide a major competitive platform for players preparing for the 16th Africa Scrabble Championship scheduled for Monrovia, Liberia.

Vice-President of the Lekki Scrabble Club, Charles Uzamere, said the two-day tournament would give Africa Championship-bound players an important opportunity to test their form, strategies and competitive readiness ahead of the continental showpiece.

The Lekki Classics is scheduled for September 26 and 27, with more than 300 players expected to participate in what is projected to be the biggest field in the history of the competition.

With the Africa Scrabble Championship approaching in October, Uzamere believes the timing of the Lekki tournament makes it particularly valuable for players looking to fine-tune their preparation before travelling to Liberia.

“The impact is going to be massive because this will give them the platform to compete and play before the 16th Africa Scrabble Championship in Monrovia, Liberia,” Uzamere said.

“It will be a very good avenue to test their strategies and learn more before the African tournament.”

The Lekki Classics will also offer a $1,000 top prize, providing an additional incentive for leading players from Nigeria and other countries to compete in the tournament.

Competitors will play 18 games across two divisions, with the event rated by the Nigeria Scrabble Federation, Pan African Scrabble Association and World English-Language Scrabble Players Association.

The tournament’s competitive format is expected to provide players with valuable match exposure, particularly as national teams intensify preparations for the continental championship.

The 2026 edition will also feature a dedicated Under-12 category for the first time, creating an avenue for young players to gain early exposure to competitive Scrabble and develop their skills alongside more experienced competitors. 

Uzamere praised members of the Lekki Scrabble Club for their continued commitment to the development of the sport, both in Nigeria and beyond.

He expressed confidence in the Local Organising Committee’s preparations, saying the tournament would provide participants with a strong competitive experience while further strengthening the profile of Scrabble in Nigeria.

The 16th Africa Scrabble Championship is scheduled for Monrovia, where Nigeria’s reigning champion Oluwatimilehin Doko will be among the players seeking to defend the country’s continental standing. PANASA has also confirmed a major expansion in the championship’s reward structure, with the top 20 finishers set to receive cash prizes. 

The Lekki Scrabble Classics is supported by AGPC, Julyet Peters, Frontpage Couture, Elcrest E&P, Mindgames International, Loense International and Activebelles.