A Nigerian living in the United Kingdom, UK Tunde Onakoya, has embarked on a 58-Hour Chess Marathon to become the next Guinness World Record title holder for the longest chess marathon.
This was made known in a post on Onakoya’s X account where he announced the commencement of his official record breaking attempt in New York.
He wrote, “Game time.”
According to reports, Onakoya is scheduled to play the chess game at the New York City’s iconic Times Square where he is camped from 10am today, Wednesday April 17 to Friday April 19 at about 8pm in a bid to outshine the current record holders Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad of Norway whose record stand at 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 37 seconds.
Onakoya is aiming to play for 58 hours without a single defeat.
In lieu of this, former vice president Yemi Osinbajo has extended his goodwill to the UK-based Nigerian while praying that he succeeds.
Prof Yemi Osinbajo via a post on his X handle wrote:
“Dear Tunde,
“Best of luck in Times Square as you attempt to set the Guinness World Record for the Longest Chess Marathon! Your resilience and spirit inspire us all. Remember your own powerful words: “It is possible to do great things from a small place.”
“Let the dynamic energy of Times Square amplify the greatness that you, a proud Nigerian, bring to the chessboard. We’re all behind you—show the world the strength and determination you are made of!
“God Bless You @Tunde_OD.”
On his part, Lagos state Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu while sharing a selfie photo of himself and the renowned chess master wrote:
“Every grand victory starts with a single, bold move akin to a daring gambit—a bold move to redefine possibilities.
“@Tunde_OD; Lagos is rooting for you as you attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon at Times Square in the heart of New York.
“Taking the story of the phenomenal work you started in Lagos with young children to a global stage is a powerful testament to how greatness can emerge from anywhere.”
Similarly, several Nigerians have taken to their social media handles to celebrate and identify with the chess master while wishing him to see the end of his aspiration.
Nigerian Billionaire and Chairman of the United Bank for Africa Tony Elumelu, also wrote the young Nigerian on X. He wrote:
“Good luck on checkmating New York @Tunde_OD as you attempt to set the Guinness World Record for the longest Chess Marathon.
“Continue to serve as an inspiration especially to African youth! We are solidly behind you.”
Meanwhile, famous Nigerian singer and songwriter Adekunle Gold, was also reported to have visited the New York’s Times Square on Wednesday shortly after the chess marathon commenced.
The singer is said to have visited the location in a bid to cheer Onakoya even as netizens admired his Yoruba ascent according to posts seen by our reporter on X.
Tunde Onakoya is a Nigerian chess master, coach and founder of Chess in Slums Africa. According to online sources, he recently organized an intervention in Oshodi, a slum in Lagos State where he and his team engaged children in a two-week session that sought to unlock their potential through the game of chess while learning to read, write and acquire basic literacy skills.
Prior to this, Okunayo is said to have organized similar interventions in Majidun (Ikorodu) and Makoko, all in Lagos State.
