Out of 50 players from six states in the south-west zone, including students, Bukunmi Afolayan made it an Easter to remember as she clinched the 2026 South -West Closed Scrabble Tournament title to become the first woman to do so in Ile Ife, Osun State, on Sunday.
The Ogun state-born player concluded the 15-round competition with a result of 12 wins and 3 losses with +655 cumulative points, outscoring Jamiu Kareem 2-1 by the way of King Of the Hill (KOTH); a joust over the last three rounds.
Bukunmi Afolayan: First Woman To Win South-West Closed Scrabble
Afolayan endured a gritty contest as Kareem pushed hard for an upset before her experience paved the way for her in the end.
“When I lost the penultimate game to Jamiu, I was a little bit tense because I knew that for me to win this tournament, I had to win my last game. If I had won my penultimate game, I would have won totally and gibsonised.
Kareem ended with 11 wins, 4 losses, with a cumulative points of +941 to emerge as runner-up.
“I was surprised to have won this tournament as the first female to do so. I was ready. Lately, I have been studying hard. Last week, when I went for a tournament, the Olubango Invitational competition, I won just three games out of 10, and was discouraged. With all my studying, how come I couldn’t do well to win six or even seven games, and I was discouraged. I said okay, I would come for this tournament. When I started doing well I noticed my studying was showing, and that’s how I got to Table 1 for the last game.”
Meanwhile, former national captain, Cyril Umebiye, recorded 11 wins, 4 losses, and +680 cumulative points to finish third.
Early Leader Falls By The Way
Early runner Abdulmumin Jimoh had a poor run, picking just a win in five games after a commanding 8-2 score the previous day, and dropped to 12th position.
The South -West Coordinator, Engr. Monsur Akanbi commended all the participants who travelled from different parts of the zone to make this edition an excellent one.
“I’m indeed impressed by the turnout from the states, especially with the participation of students from the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University and Fountain University, Oshogbo, (3 male and 3 female players). It’s very satisfying, and I’ll keep pushing for the growth of Scrabble sport.
Congratulations to all the winners, especially the overall winner, Bukunmi Afolayan (Ogun State); it was the first time having a female champion in the midst of the best players in the zone.
We will be building on these achievements going forward, as we embark on the journey to sustain and improve the Southwest region in Scrabble development with youth development as the principal goal.”
Players received various cash prizes and awards.
