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’.
