One of the biggest Scrabble Competitions in the world, the Godswill Akpabio International Scrabble Classics is set to kick off with World Champion Nigel Richards confirming participation.

The President of the Nigeria Scrabble Federation, Suleiman Gora said in Uyo that all is set for the event that will, as usual attract the best of world class scrabble players from all over the world.

Mr Gora who was in Uyo to hold “crucial talks” talks on the   classics with the chairman of Akwa Ibom State Scrabble Association Mr Ufot Edem, said every effort has been intensified to make this 8th edition the “……biggest yet” even as he assured on the participation of the world champion Nigel Richards and 50 other foreign players who have written in to confirm their participation.

On whether the Ebola scourge will affect foreign participation, the nation’s Scrabble boss said “ in as much as we are not expecting our brothers from Sierra Leone and Liberia, the effort put in by the Federal Government to manage the spread of the virus here in Nigeria has received commendation world wide, making Nigeria a very safe country to visit  hence the attendance of over 50 confirmed foreign players from USA, Pakistan, Thailand, UK, Kenya, Zambia, and South Africa among others.”

The state chairman Mr Ebong said they were ready as host to guarantee the standard that the Classics has been elevated to over the years. “…..Already,various sub committees have been put in place and they are working round the clock to ensure a flawless Classics in line with the dreams of the sponsor, a man who does not accept mediocrity.”

He went on to pay glowing tributes to His Excellency Governor Godswill Akpabio for keeping faith with the Classics, even with the promise that it will continue even when he is not in office.”…..His Excellency has done well for Scrabble in the world, Nigeria in particular and we will remain grateful”

The Classics whick kicks off on Wednesday September 24 carries a grand prize of $22,000 for Masters category,$10,000 for intermediate and $18,000 for Open and Veterans   in addition to other consolation prizes in all the categories.