Dankwambo Hails Nigeria’s Landmark Hosting of FIDE World Amateur Championships

President of the Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF), Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, has described the successful hosting of the FIDE World Amateur Rapid and Blitz Championships in Abuja as a landmark achievement for Nigerian sport and a major milestone for chess development in Africa.

The championships, held from 1 to 8 August at the Bolton White Hotel, Abuja, marked the first time Africa hosted the prestigious international competition, attracting amateur players, officials and chess enthusiasts from around the world.

Dankwambo, in a press statement signed by his spokesperson, Mallam Farouk Yarma,

said the decision by the International Chess Federation (FIDE) to award Nigeria the hosting rights demonstrated international confidence in the country’s organisational capacity, sporting infrastructure and commitment to developing chess.

He expressed appreciation to FIDE for selecting Abuja after a competitive bidding process, describing the championship as an important opportunity to strengthen Nigeria’s position on the global chess map.

The event also produced a historic Nigerian clean sweep, with 14-year-old Ekunke Odey Goodness winning gold in the Rapid event after an impressive 11-round campaign in which he scored nine points.

Fellow Nigerians Eugene Unwana and Bomo Kigigha completed the podium, winning silver and bronze respectively.

Dankwambo said the unprecedented result was evidence of the depth of talent emerging from Nigeria’s grassroots and school-based chess development programmes.

Nigeria also recorded notable success in the rating categories, with Omoruyi Sandra Osarugue, Efemuai Odafe Benedict and Woman FIDE Master Asanga Nsisong among the category champions. FIDE reported that Efemuai won the U2300 Open title, while Indian players claimed victories in the U1700 and U2000 Open categories.

At the closing ceremony, National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko commended the NCF for delivering what he described as a world-class championship, while praising the collaboration between the NCF, FIDE and the African Chess Confederation.

Dankwambo acknowledged the support of the National Sports Commission and said the success of the championship reflected the growing momentum in Nigeria’s sports sector.

“We are witnessing a rapid and positive transformation in Nigeria’s sports sector,” Dankwambo said. “Improvements in athlete welfare, discipline, innovation and strategic leadership are changing the narrative of Nigerian sports and creating new opportunities for our athletes.”

The NCF president also congratulated Team Nigeria on its performance at the recently concluded Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, saying the results demonstrated the benefits of improved welfare, strategic planning and effective sports administration.

He expressed particular appreciation to Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, his administration and the people of the state for their support for the championship.

Dankwambo further called for stronger partnerships between the Federation, state governments, corporate organisations and other stakeholders to expand access to chess and create sustainable pathways for nurturing future champions.

He said the legacy of Abuja 2026 would extend beyond the championship through increased grassroots participation, stronger international partnerships and sustained efforts to position Nigeria and Africa as major centres for chess development.