Team Nigeria Opens World Chess Olympiad Campaign in Samarkand Against New Caledonia, Mali
Team Nigeria begins its campaign at the 46th FIDE World Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, today, with the country’s men’s and women’s teams both facing their opening-round opponents.
The Nigerian men will begin against New Caledonia, with the team relying on the experience of Bomo Kigigha, Bartholomew Okhipo, Abdulrahman Abdulraheem and Odion Aikhoje, alongside 15-year-old Ekunke Goodness.
In the women’s section, Nigeria will open against Mali, with Deborah Quickpen, Michelle Nwankwo, Sandra Omoruyi, Bridget Michael and Joy Iyefu selected to represent the country.
The biennial global chess showpiece officially got underway with its opening ceremony on Tuesday, bringing together leading chess nations from across the world for several days of high-level competition in Samarkand.
For Nigeria, the tournament also provides an opportunity to showcase the country’s emerging generation, with teenage talent featuring prominently in both squads.
Goodness, at just 15, is part of the men’s team, while Nwankwo represents the youthful presence in the women’s contingent.
Ahead of the opening round, Nwankwo spoke about the significance of representing Nigeria on one of the biggest stages in international chess, while emphasising the need to maintain composure once competition begins.
“I’ve been playing chess for about five or six years,” Nwankwo said.
“I feel really excited. It’s amazing to be able to represent your country at the Olympiad. But you also have to stay strong and focused on the games so that you can perform well.”
The young player acknowledged the challenge of balancing the excitement of an international assignment with the concentration required over the board.
“You have to balance the excitement with your focus, because you don’t want to get too carried away and end up making mistakes in your games. So, I’m excited, but I also want to remain focused.”
With the first games now set to begin, Nwankwo expressed confidence in the team’s determination to deliver a strong performance and reward the support of chess enthusiasts back home.
“Chess lovers across the country and everyone cheering for Team Nigeria should expect us to do well. We’ll try our best, and hopefully, we’ll come back with something good,” she added.
The focus now shifts from preparation to competition as Nigeria begins its pursuit of strong results at the World Chess Olympiad.
Both teams will be looking to make a positive start in Samarkand as they embark on their respective campaigns against New Caledonia and Mali.
