14-year-old Ekunke wins FIDE World Amateur Rapid Chess Championship
August 6, 2026 12:07 am
Nigeria’s 14-year-old Goodness Ekunke on Wednesday emerged as the inaugural champion of the International Chess Federation World Amateur Rapid Chess Championship 2026, scoring an impressive 9/11 at the tournament held in Abuja.
The young Nigerian produced a remarkable performance against a strong field to claim the historic title, finishing ahead of two experienced compatriots, Eugene Unwana and Bomo Kigigha, who were second and third, respectively, with 8½ points each.
The championship, organised by FIDE and the Nigeria Chess Federation in Abuja, was played over 11 rounds with the time control of 15 minutes plus a 10-second increment.
Born in Matogun, Ogun State and nicknamed ‘Boss Baby’ because he usually defeats opponents older than him, Ekunke became a junior champion in the country’s U-14 chess category at the age of eight.
“My father taught me how to play chess once, and before he did, I always watched him play with his friend when I was six,” Ekunke told PUNCH Sports Extra in 2021 while featuring on the special publication for teenage athletes, ‘Future Star’.
“I learnt the moves and used my queen well on the board, which helped me win games easily against my opponents.”
Another compelling story of the championship was the rise of 17-year-old Joseph Sambo, who produced a series of outstanding results to establish himself as a serious contender for the title.
Sambo’s campaign reached its high point in the eighth round when he defeated the tournament’s teenage leader, Ekunke. The victory came after he had already defeated Ekunke’s coach and mentor, Kigigha, making his run through the championship an extraordinary story of overcoming both teacher and student.
The 17-year-old continued his charge in Round 9, scoring a win over India’s Sahil Shejal, and headed into the final two rounds with a genuine chance for the title.
However, the title slipped away in the final stretch. In Round 10, Sambo fell to Unwana, and his hopes of winning the championship suffered another decisive blow in the final round when he lost to Lanre Oluwalasinu.
Sambo eventually finished fourth with 7½ points, just half a point outside the podium.
The prestigious championship attracted amateur players from different parts of the world.
The opening ceremony featured several dignitaries, including FIDE delegate Sergei Indeikin, Nigeria Chess Federation President Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, Vice President Prince Adewole Adeyinka, and FIDE Vice President and Chief Arbiter Olalekan Adeyemi.
Abiodun, who reports Sports for PUNCH, covers different tiers of the Nigerian football league, the national teams, as well as cricket, in the last six years
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