Nigeria’s Odafe Efemuai shone at the FIDE World Amateur Blitz Chess Championship in Abuja. He won the Under-2300 Open category while India also had great success in different divisions.
The two-day Blitz Championship took place from August 6 to 7. This event marked the end of the second phase of the FIDE World Amateur Rapid & Blitz Chess Championships.
FIDE and the Nigeria Chess Federation organized the competition. Players from Nigeria, India, and Cameroon competed in 11 rounds using the Swiss system. The time control for the matches was 3+2.
Efemuai played exceptionally well, earning eight points. He finished third overall in the standings.
Even though he was behind India’s AIM Shejal Sahil Sanjay, who led with nine points, and CM Pankaj Sharma, who was second with 8½ points, Efemuai proudly secured the gold medal in the Under-2300 Open category.
Nigeria’s strong performance did not stop with Efemuai. Nigerian players filled the third to tenth spots in the overall ranking. This shows the country’s growing talent in amateur chess.
The championship concluded with a lively closing ceremony. National Sports Commission Chairman Alhaji Shehu Dikko, Nigeria Chess Federation President Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, and FIDE Delegate Sergei Indeikin were all present.
Chief Arbiter Olalekan Adeyemi shared the official tournament report. After that, the champions in each category received their medals.
Nigeria Chess Federation Vice President Prince Adeyinka Adewole closed the event. His vote of thanks celebrated the spirit of competition, international friendship, and the successful hosting of the five-day championship in Abuja.
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