Top-ranked player Abdulmumeen Jimoh produced a blistering opening-day performance at the 2026 Lekki Scrabble Classics, winning 10 of his first 11 games to seize control of Division A.

 Jimoh amassed an impressive +1,029 cumulative points to establish a commanding position at the top of the standings after 11 rounds of the 18-round premium championship on Saturday.

 His only setback came in Round 9 when Olufemi Gbadebo halted his winning run with a 462-376 victory. Jimoh quickly bounced back, however, securing victories in the final two rounds of the day to finish with 10 wins.

 Anthony Odok occupied second place, leading a group of eight players who recorded eight wins and three defeats, with cumulative points separating the contenders.

 African champion Oluwatimilehin Doko was among the next group of eight players on the standings after registering seven victories and four defeats.

 In Division B, Babatunde Adeagbo emerged as the early leader after an equally impressive opening day, recording 10 wins and just one defeat in a field of 111 players.

 The newly introduced Children Category also added colour and excitement to the championship, with young players competing in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere while gaining valuable exposure to organised Scrabble.

 President of the Lekki Scrabble Club, Engr. Samuel Anikoh, said the tournament had lived up to expectations despite a delayed start caused by the Lagos State monthly environmental sanitation exercise.

 “Day One of the Lekki Scrabble Classics has been really good despite the late start due to the Lagos State monthly environmental exercise. Overall, it’s been good. I have seen a lot of camaraderie among the players,” Anikoh said.

 He was particularly impressed by the participation of the children, adding that the youngsters were able to have fun while learning the fundamentals of organised Scrabble.

 “It’s really interesting seeing the kids having fun while playing. They got to understand the rules of organised Scrabble. It’s really been competitive, going by the games that were shown online. I noticed that a lot of the players are really fighting for the top prize,” he added.

 Anikoh said he was looking forward to an exciting conclusion as the tournament enters its final day.

 “I’m looking forward to Day Two for even more excitement as we round up the event,” he said.

 Seven rounds of games will be played on Sunday as the prestigious Lekki Scrabble Classics reaches its conclusion.