The Nigeria Scrabble Federation has thrown its weight behind Hassan Olojoku Abdulrafiu to become the country’s next National Youth Coach, praising his record of producing champions at both national and international levels.
Olojoku currently serves as the NSF’s North Central Youth Coordinator and Kwara State Youth Coach. Under his leadership, Kwara State has maintained dominance at the National Youth Games, with his players consistently claiming multiple gold medals and cementing the state’s reputation as a youth scrabble powerhouse.
His influence extends beyond Nigeria. Athletes trained by Olojoku have represented the country at the World Youth Scrabble Championship and earned podium finishes at the African Youth Scrabble Championship. The federation says these results demonstrate his ability to develop players who can compete at the highest levels.
Among the standout talents he has mentored are Aliu Qudus, Sufyan Boluwatife, and Hassan Olamide, all of whom have recorded notable successes in national, continental, and international competitions.
Olojoku is also the founder of Scholars Scrabble Academy, an initiative credited with boosting grassroots participation and uncovering emerging talent in the sport.
The NSF confirmed that existing regional youth coaches will work alongside the National Youth Coach to ensure balanced development nationwide. They are: Ben Quickpen, South South; Okagbue Ajuluchukwu, South East; Frama Daniel, North East; Maxwell Chima, North West; and Joseph Okere, South West.
With his track record in talent identification, structured training, and competitive success, the federation believes Olojoku’s appointment would further strengthen Nigeria’s standing in youth scrabble globally.
The statement, signed by NSF spokesperson Maxwell Kumoye on April 3, 2026, emphasized that Olojoku has built a proven system for grooming world-class players.
