Young Nigerians find pawns of purpose after local chess prodigy’s success
Al Jazeera
Tunde Onakoya broke the world record for the longest chess game. But back home, the game is still inaccessible.
Lagos, Nigeria – There was a glint in Tunde Onakoya’s eyes that concealed the chess prodigy’s exhaustion as he made it to the 60-hour mark – breaking the world record for the longest marathon chess game.
Bundled up in a jacket, scarf and hat, the 29-year-old Nigerian squared off against American chess champion Shawn Martinez in New York’s Times Square in April to complete the attempt and raise funds for his Chess in Slums project, which helps children across Africa.
In New York, a crowd of enthusiasts and media flanked Onakoya with camera clicks and cheers, while back home Nigerians, including the president, cheered him on online.
“I celebrate this chess champion for his rare feat, but especially for the reason driving this compelling demonstration of character, which is raising funds for African children to learn and find opportunity through chess,” Nigerian President Bola Tinubu posted on social media as the record was broken.
“My administration remains strongly committed to creating and expanding opportunities for the youth to explore and exercise their abilities,” the president said.
