Onakoya to represent Nigeria at world chess championship in Hong Kong

Nigerian chess champion and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, is set to represent Nigeria on the global stage as he joins top international players at the World Team Rapid and Blitz Championship scheduled to hold in Hong Kong this June.

Onakoya announced that he will compete as a member of the elite WR Chess team, a development that places him alongside some of the world’s most celebrated grandmasters.

Expressing his excitement, the Nigerian chess star said he was proud to be part of the team, describing the opportunity as a major career milestone.

“I’ll be playing alongside my personal legends and some of the top players in the world,” he said.

Among his expected teammates are Indian chess legend Viswanathan Anand, as well as renowned players Wadim Rosenstein and Alexandra Botez.

Onakoya has continued to gain global recognition not only for his achievements on the chessboard but also for his social impact initiative, Chess in Slums Africa, which empowers children in underserved communities through the game.

He recently made headlines after setting a world record for the longest chess marathon, further cementing his reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading ambassadors in the sport.

His participation in the Hong Kong championship is widely seen as another significant boost for Nigeria’s growing presence in international chess