In an exciting development for the Nigerian chess community, FIDE Master Akintoye Abdulraheem is set to lead a formidable team to the Zone 4.2 West Africa Chess Championships in Liberia, as per recent reports.
The chess tournament will be held from May 9 to 18 in Monrovia with the Nigerian delegation expected to travel to Liberia on Wednesday (today).
The Nigerian contingent comprises three male players and two female players, carefully prepared to uphold the nation’s honour amidst fierce competition.
Joining Abdulrahman are FIDE Master Denyefa Callistus and Onokpite Kennedy in the open category, while the female representation boasts the skilled duo Michael Bridget and Ofowino Toritsemuwa.
The talented group is poised to showcase their strategic prowess on the international stage.
Abdulraheem said in an interview that he hoped to build on last year’s success, when he finished second.
“I intend to do my best. I was second last year when the same tournament was held in Ivory Coast,” he said.
“So, I intend to improve on that performance.”
On the team’s preparations, he said, “We are prepared. We were already preparing for the federation’s Olympiad trials coming up later in June; we take this as an additional warm-up.”
Eyes across the chess world will be fixed on this esteemed tournament, as champions from various West African nations converge on Liberia.
With the coveted title of Champion of West Africa up for grabs, the stage is set for intense battles of intellect and strategy.
According to the organisers of the championship, to keep the game enthusiasts abreast of every move, gambit and checkmate, the games will be streamed live by Africa Chess Media.
Olaitan Ibrahim