Team Nigeria has departed for Liberia for the 16th Africa Scrabble Championship, where the defending champions will aim to retain their continental title and maintain the country's strong record in African Scrabble.

The championship, scheduled to take place at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Monrovia, will feature 134 players from 24 countries competing for team and individual honours.

Nigeria is represented by a 25-player contingent comprising some of the country's finest Scrabble talents, as the team prepares to face strong opposition from across the continent.

Kenya has the largest delegation with 34 players, followed by Uganda with 30, highlighting the growing interest and competitiveness of Scrabble across Africa.

Nigeria has built an impressive reputation in the sport, winning several team and individual titles at continental and international levels. The country's experience and history of success will be important as the players seek to extend their dominance at this year's championship.

However, the Nigerian contingent is expected to face stiff competition from Kenya, Uganda and other participating nations, many of whom are investing in player development and preparation to challenge for continental honours.

The 16th edition of the championship is expected to showcase the growing standard of African Scrabble, with players tested on vocabulary, strategic thinking, numerical proficiency and mental concentration.

Beyond the pursuit of trophies, the tournament offers an opportunity to strengthen sporting relationships among participating countries, promote the game and encourage the development of Scrabble across the continent.

For Team Nigeria, the mission is to defend its title and sustain the country's tradition of excellence in the sport.

With the competition bringing together some of Africa's leading players, Nigeria will rely on its experience, depth of talent and collective strength as it begins its campaign in Monrovia, with the ultimate goal of returning home with the continental crown intact.