Nigeria's Chess Team Aims for Success at Olympiad

The Nigerian chess team is preparing for the 46th FIDE World Chess Olympiad, which commenced on September 15 and runs until September 27 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The delegation departed for Uzbekistan on September 14 aboard Turkish Airlines.

Nigeria's number one chess player, Abdulrahman Abdulraheem, aims to secure a medal, expressing confidence in the team's strength, which includes both experienced players and young talents. The men's team features Abdulraheem, Bomo Kigigha, Ekunke Goodness, Bartholomew Okhipo, and Odion Aikhoje, while the women's team includes Deborah Quickpen, Michelle Nwankwo, Sandra Omoruyi, Bridget Michael, and Joy Iyefu.

Notably, 15-year-old Ekunke Goodness is making his Olympiad debut after winning the World Rapid Amateur Chess Championship in Abuja in August. Both Goodness and Quickpen have shared their excitement and confidence in performing well at the Olympiad, with Quickpen stating she had been mentally preparing for the event prior to her selection.