The Pan African Scrabble Association (PANASA) has unveiled its New Year Honours list, recognising seven outstanding players whose performances between December 2024 and November 2025 capped one of the most successful periods in African Scrabble history.
The honours, confirmed by the PANASA Technical Committee, come after a review of continental rankings and results from major events, including WESPAC Ghana 2025.
In total, PANASA has now awarded 13 Continental Champion badges, seven Grand Masters and 12 Experts, underlining the rapid growth of the game across Africa.
The 2025 season marked a breakthrough globally. Nigeria’s Abdulqudus Aliu finished runner-up at the World Youth Scrabble Championships in Malaysia which is Africa’s best-ever result while 14-year-old Sophia Ekeruche won the Best Female Player award.
Africa also staged a highly acclaimed WESPAC Ghana 2025, with Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya leading the country rankings, multiple Africans finishing in the global Top 10, and Mauritius and Togo making historic first appearances.
The 2025 Honourees
Prestige Archibong (JCC) – First-ever Junior Continental Champion after sweeping U-15 and U-19 African titles.
Sophia Ekeruche (JCC) – Unbeaten U-15 champion at AYSC Kenya and one of world Scrabble’s brightest young talents.
Tega Okiemute (GM) – Promoted to Grand Master after a year of consistency and top-tier finishes.
George Ezinore (GM) – Nigeria Scrabble Federation Green Jacket winner who rose to Grand Master and third on Africa’s ratings.
David Ojih (EXP) – At 21, Africa’s youngest Expert following strong continental and international performances.
Adebola “Dunsin” Samuel (EXP) Breakthrough year earned him Expert status and a Top-5 continental ranking.
Lukeman Owolabi (EXP) – Ireland’s number one player, rewarded with Expert status after global success in 2025.
As PANASA celebrates the seven honourees, the message is clear: African Scrabble is thriving, producing champions and global contenders, with an even brighter future ahead.
