JamzNG Latest News, Gist, Entertainment in Nigeria
Nigeria will be one of the contenders when Africa’s best chess players gather in Botswana for the 2026 African Individual Chess Championship scheduled for June 18-27 at Debswana Jwaneng Mine.
Nigeria has entered a seven-player squad for the prestigious continental competition, with five players competing in the men’s category and two in the women’s section as they seek honors and qualifying spots for the FIDE Chess World Cup.
Nigerian Chess Federation (NCF) Clerk, Mrs Ejiro Thukson, said the Nigerian men’s team consists of Abdulrahmam Abdulraheem Akintoye, Odion Aikhoje, Adeyinka Adewole, Paul Eloka and Tennyson Ewomazino Olisa, while Ofowino Toritsemuwa and Bridget Michael will fly the national flag in the women’s event.
Adeyinka Adewole Vice President of the Nigerian Chess Federation is expected to lead the team to Botswana and he will also compete for honors at the Championship.
The championship, considered Africa’s premier individual chess tournament, is expected to attract some of the continent’s strongest players, including Grandmasters, International Masters and a host of emerging talents. The event also serves as a qualifying pathway to the prestigious FIDE Chess World Cup, raising the stakes for all participants.
READ ALSO: Akume says Atiku supports North-South power rotation after June 12 crisis
According to the Botswana Chess Federation (BCF), 25 African countries have confirmed participation in the championship which will be held for the first time in Botswana. The tournament coincides with the 50th anniversary celebrations of the African Chess Confederation (ACC), adding to the importance of the competition.
BCF President Kutlwano Tatolo described the event as Africa’s most prestigious individual chess championship and said the presence of elite players from across the continent highlighted the growing power and popularity of the game in Africa.
For Team Nigeria, the tournament provides another opportunity to showcase the country’s growing influence in African chess and challenge for continental honors against the best players on the continent.
Beyond the competition, the championship is expected to celebrate five decades of development in African chess while promoting unity and sporting excellence across the continent.
With FIDE Chess World Cup qualification at stake, Nigeria’s representatives aim to make a strong impression when the championship kicks off in Jwaneng later this month.
