A 500-level student of the University of Lagos, Doko Oluwatimilehin of the Department of Pharmacy has emerged winner of the 2023 West Africa Championship in Lagos.
Doko took home the cash prize of $2000 after gathering 1163 points from a tial 19 wins and nine losses in across the three-day competition.
He fended off stiff challenge George Ezinore and current African Scrabble champion, Enoch Nwali.
On Saturday, Doko defeated his schoolmate, Nwali 495-293 in game 23 on table 2 to set up a clash with George Ezinore at the start of the King of the Hill in game 24 on table 1 which Ezinore of Wordcraft Scrabble Club won by 439-431 sending the new West African champion to table 2.
Former African Champion Nsikak Etim’s dream of sitting on table 1 was cut short by Doko 548-346 while Tega Okiemute send George Ezinore back to table 1 with a comfortable 496-454 wins.
Doko took game 26, 555-457 but lost round 27 narrowly by 372-373.
The final was quick and short as Doko despatched Tega Okiemute 508-418 to win the $2000 cash prize.
Former African King, Moses Peter settled for second spot after beating George Ezinore 507-418 to register his 17th win with a total of 1351 points to secure the $1000 cash prize.
It was a successful outing for Team Nigeria in Lagos as they clinched the top 1-9 spots ahead of participants from Ghana and the Gambia.
The success earned Nigeria $1500 while the Gambia squad took home $1000.
