14-year-old Goodness Ekunke wins FIDE World Amateur Rapid Chess Championship

Nigeria’s 14-year-old Goodness Ekunke on Wednesday became the first champion of the International Chess Federation World Amateur Rapid Chess Championship 2026. He scored an impressive 9 out of 11 points at the tournament held in Abuja.

The young Nigerian played really well against strong opponents to take the historic title. He finished ahead of two experienced players from Nigeria, Eugene Unwana and Bomo Kigigha, who both scored 8½ points and took second and third place, respectively.

FIDE and the Nigeria Chess Federation organized the championship in Abuja. Players competed over 11 rounds with a time control of 15 minutes plus a 10-second increment.

Ekunke was born in Matogun, Ogun State. He is nicknamed ‘Boss Baby’ because he often wins against older players. He became a junior champion in Nigeria’s U-14 chess category at just eight years old.

“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. This interview was part of a special publication for teenage athletes called ‘Future Star’.

“I learnt the moves and used my queen well on the board, which helped me win games easily against my opponents.”

Another interesting story from the championship was the rise of 17-year-old Joseph Sambo. He had a series of impressive results and proved he was a serious contender for the title.

Sambo’s best moment came in the eighth round when he beat the tournament’s teenage leader, Ekunke. This win came after he had already defeated Ekunke’s coach and mentor, Kigigha. Sambo’s journey through the championship was remarkable as he overcame both teacher and student.

The 17-year-old kept up his strong performance in Round 9. He won against India’s Sahil Shejal and went into the final two rounds with a real chance to win the title.

But in the final rounds, the title slipped away. In Round 10, Sambo lost to Unwana, which hurt his chances. His hopes took another hit in the last round when he lost to Lanre Oluwalasinu.

Sambo finished fourth with 7½ points, just half a point away from the podium.

The championship drew amateur players from all over the world. The opening ceremony had several important guests. These included 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.