Chess: Nigeria team prepares for the battle of Samarkand

The Nigeria team has landed in Samarkand, Uzbekistan to compete at the 46th FIDE World Chess Olympiad to be held from September 15 to 27 at the Silk Road International Tourist Centre.

The 10-man delegation, which departed aboard Turkish Airlines via Istanbul, will join a record number of 400 national teams in the Open and Women’s categories.

Nigeria sports a mix of experience and youth. The men’s team includes Bomo Kigigha, Ekunke Goodness, Bartholomew Okhipo, Abdulrahman Abdulraheem and Odion Aikhoje, while the women’s team includes Deborah Quickpen, Michelle Nwankwo, Sandra Omoruyi, Bridget Michael and Joy Iyefu.

Ejiro Thukson IV is the secretary general of the delegation, with Bunmi Olape and Adeyinka Adewole as officials.

Speaking before the championship to our correspondent, Chess General Secretary, Ejiro Thukson, told our correspondent that “the team is in good spirits and looking forward to making the nation proud”

Also speaking in the same vein, Nigeria’s number one player, Abdulrahman Abdulraheem, said the team is aiming for a category medal.

Veteran Bomo Kigigha, who will be making his eighth appearance at the Olympics, recalled Nigeria’s category award in 2012 and expressed optimism in repeating the feat.

On the other hand, 15-year-old debutant Ekunke Goodness, fresh from winning the World Rapid Amateur Championship in Abuja, said he feels no pressure and is aiming for Nigeria’s best ever performance.

For Deborah Quickpen and Michelle Nwankwo, the focus is on composure and achieving goals for the country.

The Olympics begin on Tuesday with the opening ceremony, while the competition begins on Wednesday