Efemuai Leads Nigerian Charge as India Shines at World Amateur Blitz Championship

Posted : 11 August 2026

Nigeria’s Odafe Benedict Efemuai emerged as the standout home performer at the FIDE World Amateur Blitz Chess Championship in Abuja, claiming the Under-2300 Open title as Nigerian players made a strong impression across the overall standings.

Efemuai finished third overall after scoring eight points from 11 Swiss-system rounds, but his position was enough to earn him the Under-2300 Open gold medal under the championship’s category-based prize structure.

India’s AIM Shejal Sahil Sanjay topped the overall classification with nine points, while compatriot CM Pankaj Sharma finished second with 8½ points.

The Nigerian contingent, however, showed remarkable depth, with players occupying positions three through 10 in the overall standings, underlining the country’s growing presence in amateur chess.

The two-day Blitz event, held from Aug. 6 to 7, brought the second phase of the FIDE World Amateur Rapid & Blitz Chess Championships to a close.

Organised jointly by FIDE and the Nigeria Chess Federation, the championship featured players from Nigeria, India and Cameroon competing under the demanding 3+2 time control, which allowed each player three minutes for the game, plus two seconds added after every move.

India also collected several category honours, with Shejal Sahil Sanjay taking the Under-2000 Open title after scoring nine points.

Saket Kumar emerged champion of the Under-1700 Open category with 6½ points, while Rani Puja secured the Under-1700 Women’s crown with 4½ points.

Nigeria also enjoyed success in the women’s divisions. Omoruyi Sandra Osarugue won the Under-2000 Women’s title with 5½ points, while WFM Asanga Nsisong claimed the Under-2300 Women’s championship with three points.

The conclusion of the competition was marked by a colourful closing ceremony attended by National Sports Commission Chairman Alhaji Shehu Dikko, Nigeria Chess Federation President Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo and FIDE Delegate Sergei Indeikin.

Chief Arbiter Olalekan Adeyemi presented the official tournament report before the champions across the various categories received their medals.

Nigeria Chess Federation Vice President Prince Adeyinka Adewole formally brought the championship to an end with a Vote of Thanks, commending the participants and organisers while highlighting the competition’s role in promoting sporting friendship and international exchange.

With the Abuja championship successfully completed, Efemuai’s triumph and the strong collective performance of Nigerian players provide further evidence of the country’s growing depth in amateur chess.

Efemuai Leads Nigerian Charge as India Shines at World Amateur Blitz Championship

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