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 was organised by Naphtali Chess Club, held at Vee Hotel, Trans Amadi ,in Port Harcourt and over 80 players in Nigeria had the opportunity to vie for honours, prizes and to showcase their talents in the tournament.

The championship was sponsored by Naphtali Physiotherapy and Wellness Clinic Ltd, and recognised by 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.

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Categories that participated in the tournament were; Male, Female, Veteran and Teenage; all these have their 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 because every player wants to make name for him/herself, most especially those competing for ranking.

There was absolute tranquility and concentrations 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.

It was a clash of the titans between Rivers born Koko Obubele and IIouno Ikenna, both players displayed what could be described as top notch Chess artistry, showcasing skills and experience that saw Obubele , who eventually triumphed dubbed the “king of double knights’.

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 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 extracurricular activities of schools at all levels.

According to him, this will help to develop and promote the game at the grassroots level.

” Chess was 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 want 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 winner of the best female player award in the tournament Queen Dan-Jumbo , also 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 to do more and make Rivers State proud.

Tonye Orabere