Excitement is building for the National Schools’ Team Chess Championship, organized by Ecobank Nigeria and the Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF).
With over 200 schools registered so far, the competition promises a fierce battle for a share of the N15 million prize pool.
The event kicks off on Friday, May 24th, at the Ecobank Pan African Centre in Lagos. It’s open to students from primary to tertiary institutions nationwide.
“We are impressed with the interest shown by schools,” said NCF Vice President Prince Adeyinka Adewole. “This is a great opportunity for students to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.”
Adewole emphasized that chess is more than a game; it’s a valuable educational tool. He also commended chess master Tunde Onakoya for his recent Guinness World Record in New York, highlighting chess’s growing global recognition.
Schools interested in registering for the Ecobank National Schools’ Team Chess Championship can do so for free by emailing nationalschoolsteamchess@gmail.com. The competition offers a chance to win not only prize money but also the opportunity to represent Nigeria at the international level.
This event comes at a time of growing interest in chess in Nigeria. The recent success of Tunde Onakoya has inspired many young people to take up the game. The NCF hopes that the National Schools’ Team Chess Championship will further boost chess participation and identify talented players who can compete on the world stage.
The competition is also expected to attract a large audience of spectators. Chess enthusiasts and parents alike will be eager to witness the skills and sportsmanship of Nigeria’s future chess stars. The NCF is encouraging the public to attend the Ecobank National Schools’ Team Chess Championship event and show their support for the young competitors