Precisely from 20th – 24th April 2024  the attention of Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF) was drawn to Port Harcourt the Garden City of Nigeria as it played host to the third edition of Naphtali Open Chess Tournament,
The five days competition which was sponsored by Naphtali Physiotheraphy and Wellness Clinic Ltd., was held at Vee Hotel, Trans Amadi, in Port Harcourt and over 80 players in Nigeria  had the opportunity to vie for honours, prizes and showcase their talents in the tournament.
The championship was recognised by  Naphtali Chess Club and recognised by the International Chess Federation (FIDE) with the view to rank chess players in the country.
The Championship was witnessed by huge crowd, including notable chess players in the country, people from all walks of life, relatives and friends of the competitors.
The edition had an electrifying start as only  eighteen (18) players emerged with a perfect score of 2/2 after the first two rounds, with only four players trailing by half a point.
Categories that participated in the tournament were; Male, Female, Veteran and Teenage; all these have different trophies and prizes at stake.
The atmosphere of the venue was captivated with excitement and can be compared to a Brazilian carnival as various fanfare took the stage while the tournament was on.
It was a keenly contested tournament as every player wanted to make a name for him/herself, most especially those competing for ranking.
There was absolute tranquility and concentration in the midst of the fanfare as the competition was going on because chess required such serene environment.
One of the matches that drew much attention was  between 16-year-old Ferdinand Tersee Nyiuma and seasoned player CM Omorere Benjamin. The match saw a bold facing Tersee a resolute response from Benjamin. The game was breathtaking as both shared first position at the end.
It was a clash of the titans between Rivers born Koko Obubele and IIouno Ikenna, both players displayed what could be described as topnotch Chess artistry, showcasing skills and experience that saw Obubele, who eventually triumphed,  dubbed the ‘king of double knight’.
This win earned Obubele the coveted trophy even as both finished tops in the tournament.
It was another exciting and notable encounter between Emmanuel Idara and  Dr. Onyekwere Donald, South-East representative of NCF Board. Despite Idara’s status as the top seed, Donald’s steadfast defense and calculated play denied his opponent a place at the summit.
In the female category Rivers State born Queen Dan-Jumbo, made an impressive performance as she emerged the best female player in the Open Championship.
Also, special recognition was given to veteran participants, Dr. Apollos Akomaka also from Rivers and veteran female player Amadasun Rosemary, as they received the best veteran prizes.
It is worthy of note that Rivers State  currently has the best chess players in Nigeria following track records both in the National Sports Festivals and National Competitions but it is worrisome that the game is not getting the desired attention as other Sports.
Consequently, the acting Chairman of Chess Association in the State, Dr. Appollos Akomaka has appealed to the Commissioner of Education in the State to make it mandatory for Chess to be included  in the extracurricular activities of schools at all levels.
According to him, this will help to develop and promote the game at the grassroots level.
“ Chess is a very easy game to play both the rich and poor can play, but it requires commitment and determination to get to the peak. I personally started playing Chess as a teenager, it is good to start early.
“Honestly I am excited that I participated in the Open Chess Championship, and am also happy that I won the veteran category of the event”,Akomaka said.
Speaking shortly after the event, the winner of the male category, Koko Obubele, said the victory did not come easily, and noted that it was a very difficult competition but thanked God he won.
“ I am really happy that I emerged the champion in the male category because most of the best chess players in Nigeria participated.
“ Right now I am looking forward to international competitions because I have the zeal and talent.But what I really need is sponsorship, that is the only way for me to excel and make Nigeria, especially Rivers State proud” Obubele said.
Koko Obubele is one of the best Chess players in Nigeria, he has won several State and national championships including West African Universities Games,  National Sports Festivals, Shell Chess Championship etc.
Also speaking, the winner of the best female player award  in the tournament Queen Dan-Jumbo, expressed joy over her  victory, saying that her  dream was to become a chess grand master worldwide.
“ I am happy that I won this championship, this will spur me on do more and make Rivers State proud.

Tonye Orabere

Youth Sports Federation Of Nigeria (YSFON), Rivers State chapter, has appealed to the state government to bring back youth games in the State.
The organisation also expressed commitment to support the State government to sponsor grassroots football competition.
Secretary of the organisation, Whyte  Bencvger made the appeal in a telephone interview with Tidesport, yesterday, saying  that there is need for government to bring back youth games in the State.
According to him,  if there is no grassroots competition it will be difficult to get it right.
“I want government to go back to the basics where they can get it right ones. I think is high time government  supported grassroots sports so that the youth will get involved in sporting activities.
“ Look at our darling team, Rivers United, how many of our youth are in the team? We need competition in the grassroots because that is  where talented youth will be discovered.
“ I think we need to look inwards and focus more on grassroots activities because that is the basics were many of our players where discovered in those days.
“ I know government cannot do it alone but we need government present in the grassroots” Bencyger stated.

Kiadum Edookor

The Super Eagles camp for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and the Benin Republic will open on Monday June 3, The Tide’s Source reports`.
Nigeria will face South Africa at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday, June 7 before travelling to Ivory Coast to face Benin Republic on Monday, June 10.
While there have been speculations that the team’s camp will be opened this weekend, the Director of Media and Communications of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ademola Olajire told Tidesxports source.
Last Friday, Head Coach Finidi George released a 23-man list for his first real test in charge of the team after being unveiled as the substantive coach, of the team earlier this month.
The team is also expected to observe their first training session on Monday.
Finidi’s list is already witnessing some changes with Italy-based Victor Osimhen ruled out of the encounters with a four-week injury. He has been replaced by Enugu Rangers left-back, Kenneth Igboke, taking the number of Nigeria Premier Football League players in the list to three.
“Africa Player of The Year, Victor Osimhen is injured and out for four weeks. Super Eagles’ coach, Finidi George has called up Enugu Rangers’ left-back, Kenneth Igboke for the World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic,” the NFF confirmed on Tuesday.
All the invited overseas-based players are done with club activities this season, hence, the 23 invited players are expected to hit camp promptly, except Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman, who will still be involved in his club’s rescheduled Serie A game against Fiorentina on Sunday.