Kenya once again settled for a silver medal at the Africa Scrabble Championships, which concluded on Monday evening in Lusaka, Zambia.
After finishing second to Nigeria during the 2019 edition in Kirinyaga county, the national team failed to beat Nigeria for the third time running during the 14th edition of the continental show.
Kenya’s Allan Oyende was the top Kenyan in fourth place, the same position he was in three years ago in Kirinyaga when he won 22 out of 32 games.
During the 2019 event, Nigeria's Enoch Nwali took the pole position with 25 wins out of 32, leading countrymen Wellington Jighere and Prince Omosefe to a clean sweep.
Oyende admitted was determined to break the tradition of Nigeria’s dominance but found the going tough.
“I came here five days earlier to acclimatize but I failed to match them. These guys are on another level and as Kenyans, we need to work hard if we are to match them,” said Oyende.
For the last fourteen editions, the west African country has won 13 with South Africa winning once. Kenyans who are also known as Word Warriors, have finished runners-up in all the editions.
“It was one of the toughest tournaments I have ever competed in. In terms of preparations, we really did well as Team Kenya but Nigerians are on top of the world,” added Oyende.
Kenya had three players in the top ten positions with Nderitu Gitonga placing sixth overall and David Kimani 9th.
Scrabble Kenya chairman Bernard Amuke said the tournament was tough despite investing a lot in our preparations.
“It was unfortunate that we did not beat Nigeria but we live to fight another day. As a team, we did what we could but they were the best. We hope to make amends in the next edition,” said Amuke who finished in position 35.
Top ten finishers
1. Enoch Nwali (NGR) +2023
2. Wellington Jighere (NGR) +1302
3. Prince Omosefe (NGR) +965
4. Allan Oyende (KEN) +590
5. Eta Karo (NGR) +1302
6. Gitonga Nderitu (KEN) +1665
7. Edgar Odongkara (UGA) +835
8. Stanley Ubiedi (GHA) +758
9. David Kimani (KEN) +506
10. Emmanuel Umujose (NGR) +282
