Team Nigeria Arrives In Harare For African Youth Chess Championships

Team Nigeria’s contingent, comprising Deborah Quickpen, Chiamaka Nwankwo, Zita Agusionu, Jason Nwankwo, Olakitan Elegbede, and Adeola Elegbede, has arrived in Harare, Zimbabwe, to represent Nigeria at the African Youth Chess Championship (AYCC).

The team departed from Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, over the weekend for the competition, which runs from 6th to 14th December. Several African nations are vying for honours, including Egypt, Libya, Algeria, Ghana, Madagascar, Kenya, South Africa, and the host nation, Zimbabwe.

Nigerian athletes will compete across various age categories, from Under 10 to Under 18.

Among the notable players is Bayelsa’s Deborah Quickpen, a 13-year-old chess prodigy and national champion, who is expected to excel in the women’s board category. Quickpen, a gold medallist at the last National Sports Festival, shared her excitement before the team’s departure: “I’m excited and looking forward to the championship in Harare. My aim is to come out on top.”

The team’s participation fulfils a pledge made by Nigeria Chess Federation President, Senator Dankwambo, at the inaugural board meeting to prioritise youth tournament involvement.