*Kwara Chess Association to build Chess House.
Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF) has described the First Sarduana of Ilorin National Open Chess Championship which ended in Ilorin on Saturday October 31, 2026, as a successful national event, commending the organisers for providing a conducive environment, quality infrastructure and attractive rewards for participating players.
The Vice President of NCF, Prince Adeyinka Adewole, while speaking with journalists at the end of the championship, said the competition had all the attributes of a national event, considering the quality of players who participated, including some of the country’s best-rated chess players and national champions in both male and female categories.
“In terms of classification, this event qualifies as a national event. It was a big event by all ramifications. We have a lot of national players here, including the number one player in Nigeria, national champions in both male and female categories and others,” he said.
The chess federation’s Vice President also expressed satisfaction with the facilities and general atmosphere provided for the competition, describing the environment as conducive and the infrastructure as fantastic.
He particularly applauded the organisers for introducing an attractive financial reward system, noting that the presentation of cash prizes in dollars to the champions was a significant development in the Nigerian chess community.
“In the last two years, this is the first time we are seeing a champion receiving dollars. That is a reward for good work, and we are looking forward to the next edition,” Adewole stated.
Speaking on Nigeria’s standing in international chess, he disclosed that the country currently ranks number one in West Africa, reflecting its growing strength and competitiveness in the sport.
According to him, West Africa has 13 chess federations and Nigeria currently leads the region in rating, as determined by the International Chess Federation (FIDE), the world governing body for chess.
He further revealed that Nigeria ranks seventh among 51 registered chess federations in Africa and 84th in the world out of 206 federations, expressing optimism that the country could improve its global standing with increased exposure and participation in international competitions.
Prince Adewole, however, identified access to international tournaments and regular encounters with top-rated players as critical factors needed to sustain Nigeria’s progress and take its players to greater heights.
He explained that while Nigerian players possess considerable talent and competitive ability, more opportunities are required for them to measure themselves against the best players across the world.
“A lot of these countries have opportunities to play international competitions. Before you get to the top, you need to play with top players more often and participate in international competitions.
“That is why we are seeking sponsorship and partnership to achieve that,” he added.
He maintained that sustained sponsorship, strategic partnerships and the organisation of quality competitions such as the First Sarduana Open Chess Championship would contribute significantly to the development of chess in Nigeria and strengthen the country’s position on the African and global stages.
The Championship was organised by the Kwara Chess Association, in collaboration with the Kwara State Sports Commission. The 4-day event
was supervised by 11-man Main Orginazing Committee (MOC), led by Dr. Bode Durotoye, with Mrs. Amisu Omotayo Hikmot serving as the Arbiter.
The Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Mallam Bola Mogaji, in his remarks, commended the sponsor of the Championship, who is the Chairman of the Kwara State Chess Association, Hadji AbdulRasheed Femi Yusuf, for his vision, commitment and investment in the development of chess in the state.
Mogaji, who represented Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at the closing ceremony of the championship, described the competition as a worthwhile initiative that would further strengthen the state’s sporting profile and create opportunities for the discovery and development of chess talents.
He equally applauded the organisers, participating players, arbiters and other stakeholders whose contributions ensured the successful staging of the championship, noting that their collective efforts had made the maiden edition a memorable experience.
He expressed appreciation to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his sustained support for sports development in Kwara State, stressing that the administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for sports continues to encourage initiatives capable of taking different sporting disciplines to greater heights.
He also acknowledged the confidence reposed in Kwara State by the Nigeria Chess Federation, commending the Federation for believing in the state’s capacity to host and promote major chess competitions.
Mogaji noted that the championship was another positive indication of the growing opportunities in Kwara’s sporting landscape, while expressing optimism that the initiative would become a sustainable platform for nurturing talents, encouraging wider participation and positioning the state as an emerging destination for chess development in Nigeria.
Hadji AbdulRasheed Femi Yusuf, while speaking to pressmen, expressed satisfaction with the successful hosting of the Championship, describing it as the fulfilment of a long-standing dream to put Kwara State on the national chess map.
Yusuf, who is also the Chairman Ifelodun Local Government Area, said his ambition was to make Kwara a recognised destination for chess, while showcasing the state government’s investment in sports development under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
“I am fulfilled. I had a dream, and it’s coming to fruition. I want Kwara to be recognised for chess. I want my Governor to be appreciated for investing so much in sports, and I can only do that by bringing people here from far and near. That’s the fulfilment for me,” he said.
Reflecting on his nine months in charge of the Kwara State Chess Association, Yusuf noted that the association had recorded significant progress within a relatively short period, with the successful organisation of the championship representing one of its major achievements.
He, however, maintained that there was still much to accomplish, revealing that plans were already underway to establish a permanent structure for chess development in the state.
“Before the end of this month, we will be laying the foundation of the Kwara Chess House here at the Kwara State Stadium Complex. That’s the beginning of more better things to follow,” he disclosed.
The association Chairman also noted that Kwara had recorded encouraging performances in national chess competitions, including the National Sports Festival, expressing optimism that the state would consolidate on the progress.
Looking ahead, Yusuf identified grassroots development, particularly through schools, as the next major priority of his administration.
He explained that the association would take chess to schools across the state, beginning with a Train-the-Trainers programme designed to equip sports officers with the necessary knowledge and skills to introduce and teach the game to young people.
According to him, the initiative would provide a sustainable foundation for identifying, nurturing and developing young chess talents from the grassroots.
Yusuf also acknowledged the contribution of Alhaji Bolaji Nagode, who has donated chessboards to some schools, describing the gesture as an opportunity the association intends to leverage in commencing its school-based development programme.
“We want to take chess down to the grassroots in the state through schools, beginning with the Train-the-Trainers programme for sports officers. Thank God, Alhaji Bolaji Nagode has donated chessboards to some schools. We want to take advantage of that by starting with those schools,” he added.
In the Ladies Blitz Championship, Suleiman Azumi Ayisha came first to win the #300,000 price money with 4.5 points. Omoruyi Sandra Osarugue, Ishaya Rejoice Kira and AbdulSalam Mardhiyyah Kehinde sheared #350,000 with 3.5 points, while Omoruyi Jennifer Omosefe and Folami Deborah Ebunoluwa got #25,000.
In the male category, Abdulraheem, Abdulrahman Akintoye came first with 6 points, with Sambo Joseph as runners up with 6 points, shearing both first and second price money combined with $1,000 and #700,000 thousands respectively, while Onokpite Kennedy, Okemakinde Toluwanimi, Nvuima, Tersee Ferdinand, Balogun Oluwafemi Daniel, sheared #1,350,000.00 with 5.5 points.
