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Nigeria’s teenage chess sensation, Ekunke Odey Goodness, has made history by becoming the first-ever FIDE World Amateur Rapid Chess Champion, claiming the inaugural title in Abuja.
The 14-year-old delivered an outstanding performance throughout the 11-round tournament, scoring nine points from a possible 11 to finish ahead of a highly competitive field. The championship was jointly organised by the FIDE and the Nigeria Chess Federation.
Ekunke secured the historic victory after drawing with fellow Nigerian FIDE Master (FM) Eugene Ekpoikong Unwana in the decisive final-round encounter. The result ensured he finished with nine points, while Unwana claimed the silver medal with 8½ points. FM Bomo Lovet Kigigha also finished on 8½ points but settled for bronze after the tie-break.
Played under a rapid time control of 15 minutes plus a 10-second increment, the tournament featured fierce competition among Nigeria’s leading chess players, with the inaugural world title remaining on home soil.
One of the tournament’s standout stories was the remarkable performance of 17-year-old Sambo Joseph, who briefly emerged as a strong title contender. Sambo stunned tournament leader Ekunke in Round Eight after earlier defeating the teenager’s coach and mentor, FM Bomo Kigigha.
He strengthened his title challenge with another impressive victory over India’s AIM Sahil Sanjay Shejal in Round Nine. However, consecutive defeats to Eugene Unwana and Lanre Seye Oluwalasinu in the final rounds ended his hopes of reaching the podium. Sambo eventually finished fourth with 7½ points.
Unwana also mounted a strong late challenge, defeating Kigigha in Round Nine before overcoming Sambo in Round Ten to move within striking distance of the title. But Ekunke remained composed in the winner-takes-all final round, securing the draw he needed to become the first player to lift the FIDE World Amateur Rapid Chess Championship trophy.
The championship attracted strong international participation, with India making a notable impact. AIM Sahil Sanjay Shejal finished fifth with 7½ points, while compatriots AFM Aryan Raj, CM Pankaj Sharma, and AIM Aditya Dinkar all earned places in the top ten. Noumbo Vidal of Cameroon also finished among the leading players, highlighting the tournament’s growing international appeal.
The final standings showcased an exciting blend of youth and experience, with Ekunke’s remarkable triumph underlining the bright future of Nigerian chess. At just 14 years old, he outperformed seasoned FIDE Masters and accomplished international competitors to claim a title that will forever link his name with the birth of the championship.
Attention now turns to the FIDE World Amateur Blitz Chess Championship, where players will once again compete in Abuja for another world title.
