Excitement Brews as Ecobank National Schools’ Team Chess Championship Draws Near

Excitement Brews as Ecobank National Schools’ Team Chess Championship Draws Near

The anticipation is palpable as over 200 schools have thrown their hats into the ring for the upcoming National Schools’ Team Chess Championship, a riveting event organized by Ecobank Nigeria in collaboration with the Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF). Set to commence on Friday, 24th at the prestigious Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC) in Victoria Island, Lagos, this competition promises an exhilarating display of strategic prowess, with a handsome prize pool of over N15 million up for grabs.

Prince Adeyinka Adewole, the Vice President of the Nigeria Chess Federation, expressed his delight at the overwhelming response garnered from both the participating schools and the general public. He affirmed that meticulous preparations have been made to ensure the championship attains monumental success.

“The fervor displayed by the schools in their registration for the competition is truly commendable. With over 200 schools spanning across primary, secondary, and tertiary levels from every nook and cranny of the nation already on board, we are gearing up for an enthralling tournament. Every detail has been carefully arranged to make this event not just captivating for competitors but also a rewarding experience for all stakeholders. We invite Nigerians from diverse backgrounds, particularly sports enthusiasts, to grace the occasion and throw their support behind their favored teams, thereby fostering a culture of excellence among our young talents,” remarked Prince Adewole.

Underlining that chess transcends mere recreation, he emphasized its role as an educational instrument that cultivates critical thinking, concentration, and problem-solving abilities in individuals. Prince Adewole also took a moment to laud the remarkable achievement of renowned chess maestro, Tunde Onakoya, who recently clinched the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon at New York’s Times Square, underscoring the global recognition that underscores chess’s significance as a vehicle for social integration and advancement.

Encouraging institutions yet to enroll their teams, he urged them to seize the opportunity by reaching out via email at nationalschoolsteamchess@gmail.com, underscoring that registration comes at no cost. “Embrace this chance to partake in this prestigious event, as it promises an enriching journey for the participating students. Beyond the lucrative prizes at stake, lies the potential to represent our nation on the global chess stage, an opportunity of a lifetime.”

As the countdown to the Ecobank National Schools’ Team Chess Championship begins, the stage is set for a spectacle replete with intellect, skill, and sportsmanship, beckoning chess aficionados and supporters alike to witness the emergence of the future chess champions of Nigeria. Let’s join hands in nurturing and celebrating the boundless potential of our youth through the timeless game of chess.