{
  "id": 13265341,
  "title": "Adegbesan backs Nigeria to retain African Scrabble crown",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/10/adegbesan-backs-nigeria-to-retain-african-scrabble-crown-13265341",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-10T00:18:10.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/adegbesan-backs-nigeria-to-retain-african-scrabble-crown/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Pan African Scrabble Association President Adekoyejo Adegbesan, known as Sheikh, is confident Nigeria will retain its title at the 16th African Scrabble Championship in Monrovia, Liberia. Despite losing some players who relocated abroad, Nigeria has won 14 of the last 15 editions and remains the dominant force in the sport on the continent. Adegbesan believes Nigeria has enough players to defend the crown, but warns against underestimating Uganda and Kenya, who he predicts are strong challengers. Liberia's Ministry of Sports has supported the national Scrabble association, contributing to the tournament's success. The championship, scheduled from October 22 to 25, 2026, in Monrovia, will also feature a new U-12 category. PANASA has expanded entry categories to allow players who missed selection to enter with proper endorsement from their national associations.",
  "summary": "PANASA President Adekoyejo Adegbesan backs Nigeria to retain its title at the 16th African Scrabble Championship in Liberia, despite key player losses. Read More: https://punchng.com/adegbesan-backs-nigeria-to-retain-african-scrabble-crown/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "Nigeria demands self-reliant African security architecture",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/nigeria-demands-self-reliant-african-security-architecture",
        "published": "2026-10-09T23:50:59.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}