Nigeria’s Chess Teams Enter Final Stretch on Strong Note at Samarkand Olympiad

Posted : 27 September 2026

Team Nigeria moved into the closing stages of the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, with the men recording a commanding 3½–½ victory over Tunisia and the women battling Zambia to a 2–2 draw in Round 9.

The results kept both Nigerian teams firmly involved with two rounds remaining in the 11-round competition. The men secured their second consecutive emphatic victory after defeating Guyana by the same 3½–½ margin in Round 8.

The Open team began against Tunisia with FM Bomo Lovet Kigigha drawing Mohamed Khalil Abdallah on Board 1. FM Abdulrahman Akintoye Abdulraheem then put Nigeria ahead with a victory over Yacine Barbaria.

IM Odion Aikhoje extended Nigeria’s advantage by defeating Zoubaier Amdouni, while Odey Goodness Ekunke completed the dominant performance with a win over Hamed Ben Ghanem.

The result further underlined Nigeria’s progress from their position as the 84th seed, with the team now on 10 match points after nine rounds.

Abdulraheem has also enjoyed a notable individual campaign, contributing 5½ points from nine games.

The women’s team, meanwhile, had to settle for a share of the points against Zambia after another closely contested African encounter.

Nigeria entered the match on the back of a 3½–½ victory over Lesotho, while Zambia had also produced a strong performance in Round 8 against Namibia.

The 2–2 draw leaves Nigeria with nine match points after nine rounds.

The Nigerian women’s lineup in Samarkand comprises WFM Deborah Ebimobo-ere Quickpen, Iyefu Joy Onoja, WFM Michelle Chiamaka Nwankwo, Sandra Osarugue Omoruyi and WIM Bridget Michael, with Ejiro Okessena Thukson IV serving as captain.

Attention now turns to Round 10, where the Nigerian men will face North Macedonia.

Nigeria, with an average team rating of 2282, will be looking to build on their recent results against a North Macedonian side that has also remained competitive throughout the tournament.

The women will take on Guatemala in their Round 10 assignment as they look to add to their points tally.

With only two rounds remaining, Nigeria’s teams have little time to rest, with the final push in Samarkand beginning on Saturday before the Olympiad concludes on Sunday.

Nigeria’s Chess Teams Enter Final Stretch on Strong Note at Samarkand Olympiad

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