Post by Sports World (@sportsworld)

🇳🇬 Nigeria’s 14-year-old Ekunke Odey Goodness won FIDE World Amateur Rapid Chess Championship 2026 🏆

✨ History was made in Abuja as Nigeria’s 14-year-old Ekunke Odey Goodness emerged as the inaugural champion of the FIDE World Amateur Rapid Chess Championship 2026, scoring an impressive 9/11.

♟️ The young Nigerian produced a remarkable performance against a strong field to claim the historic title, finishing ahead of two experienced bright compatriots, FM Eugene Ekpoikong Unwana and FM Bomo Lovet Kigigha, who were second and third, respectively, with 8½ points each.

The championship, organised by FIDE and the Nigeria Chess Federation in Abuja, was played over 11 rounds with the time control of 15 minutes plus a 10-second increment.

One of the most compelling stories of the championship was the rise of 17-year-old Joseph Sambo, who produced a series of outstanding results to establish himself as a serious contender for the title.

Sambo’s campaign reached its high point in the eighth round when he defeated the tournament’s teenage leader, Ekunke Goodness. The victory came after he had already defeated Ekunke’s coach and mentor, FM Bomo Kigigha, making his run through the championship an extraordinary story of overcoming both teacher and student.

The 17-year-old continued his charge in Round 9, scoring a win over AIM Sahil Sanjay Shejal, and headed into the final two rounds with a genuine chance for the title.

The championship also featured strong representation from India, adding an important international dimension to the inaugural event.

Leading the Indian challenge was AIM Sahil Sanjay Shejal, who finished an impressive fifth overall with 7½ points. Shejal remained firmly in the mix during the closing stages of the championship and faced 17-year-old Sambo Joseph in Round 9, in a game that formed part of Joseph’s dramatic late push for the title.

Another Indian player who attracted attention was AFM Aryan Raj, who faced 14-year-old Ekunke Goodness in Round 7. Ekunke’s victory over the Indian player became another significant milestone in his championship campaign, coming shortly after his memorable Round 6 draw against his coach and mentor, FM Bomo Kigigha.

The presence and performances of the Indian players added further international flavour to a championship ultimately dominated by a thrilling battle among the leading Nigerian players. With the inaugural title staying in Nigeria, the event nonetheless showcased the competitive strength and global appeal of amateur chess, bringing players from Nigeria, India, and other countries together in Abuja.

The final standings offered a remarkable picture of Nigerian chess: a 14-year-old champion, a 17-year-old challenger who briefly seized control of the tournament, and experienced players who fought through the final rounds for the medals.

The inaugural championship has also produced a compelling narrative for Nigerian chess, one of youthful brilliance, mentorship, rivalry and resilience, while Abuja witnessed the emergence of a new world champion whose name will now be permanently associated with the history of the FIDE World Amateur Rapid Chess Championship.

Congratulations! 💚🤍💚

#Chess #Sports #NaijaPride #FIDE

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