Best Odds Center
best odds centre button
Click here!
Sport TV
watch live tv button
Click here!
to watch
Live FootBall
NPFL
Click here!
Live Scores
play watch Live Score button
Click here!

Youthful Nigerian Squads Seek Strong Start at Chess Olympiad

Posted : 16 September 2026

Team Nigeria’s blend of experience and youth will come under the spotlight on Wednesday as the country begins its campaign at the 46th FIDE World Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

The Nigerian men’s and women’s teams will both be in action in the opening round, with the men facing New Caledonia and the women taking on Mali.

The men’s team features experienced players Bomo Kigigha, Bartholomew Okhipo, Abdulrahman Abdulraheem and Odion Aikhoje, while 15-year-old Ekunke Goodness completes the squad.

The women’s team comprises Deborah Quickpen, Michelle Nwankwo, Sandra Omoruyi, Bridget Michael and Joy Iyefu.

The biennial tournament officially began with its opening ceremony on Tuesday, bringing together leading chess-playing nations for the competition.

For Nigeria, the event also provides an opportunity for some of its younger players to gain valuable experience on the international stage.

Goodness, 15, is part of the men’s line-up, while Nwankwo is one of the youthful faces in the women’s squad.

Nwankwo, who has played chess for about five or six years, described representing Nigeria at the Olympiad as an exciting opportunity but stressed that maintaining concentration would be crucial.

“I feel really excited. It’s amazing to be able to represent your country at the Olympiad. But you also have to stay strong and focused on the games so that you can perform well,” she said.

According to Nwankwo, the excitement of competing at such a prestigious event must be balanced with the discipline required during games.

“You have to balance the excitement with your focus because you don’t want to get too carried away and end up making mistakes in your games.

“So, I’m excited, but I also want to remain focused,” Nwankwo added.

She also assured Nigerian chess enthusiasts that the teams would give their best throughout the competition.

“Chess lovers across the country and everyone cheering for Team Nigeria should expect us to do well. We’ll try our best, and hopefully, we’ll come back with something good,” she said.

With the first-round fixtures set, Nigeria will begin its pursuit of strong performances as competition intensifies among the participating nations in Samarkand.

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics

close button
Please fill captcha :