Sports
Guinness World Record: 16 hours in, Nigerian Onakoya remains unbeaten in chess marathon
Renowned chess master, Tunde Onakoya, who commenced his mission to surpass the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon for 58 hours, has played the game for 16 hours, winning all opponents.
The event, which is underway at New York City’s iconic Times Square, started on Wednesday, April 17, and is scheduled to end on April 19.
Onakoya has emerged triumphant in all encounters so far, including his match with New York’s National Chess Master, Shawn Martinez.
A post on his X handle early Thursday read, “Tunde Onakoya beats a very worthy opponent and one of New York’s finest, National Chess Master Shawn Martinez!”
Onakoya’s manager, known as Taiwo with the X handle “OgaBoxx,” has also provided insights into the nature of the challenge.
Taiwo stated that after 15 hours of continuous play with 12 opponents, Onakoya took an accumulated break of 30 minutes, as the rules stipulate a five-minute break for every hour of play.
He added that Onakoya is playing two sets of games simultaneously and must not lose either.
He wrote, “The opponent on the first set is Shawn Martinez, a US National Chess Master, and he will play with Tunde throughout the attempt.
“Opponents in the second set are random players. He can’t lose any game on either set.
“Only Tunde’s match against Shawn Martinez is considered valid for the record. He is not competing in his simultaneous play against random opponents in the second set. NYC, come out and play regardless.”
The event has garnered significant attention and support from Nigerians abroad who came out to support the chess master.
Onakoya has also received encouraging messages from various Nigerian dignitaries, including Vice President Kashim Shettima; former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar; and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, among others.
The US Mission Nigeria and UK in Nigeria have also sent their best wishes to Onakoya via their respective X handles.
Sports
Kano ‘s Lawmaker Establishes Bichi First Football Club
Hon Bichi said that plans are underway to construct an 18,000-capacity stadium in Bichi to further promote sports development.
•Abubakar Kabir Bichi
Abubakar Kabir Bichi, member representing Bichi Federal Constituency has unveiled Bichi First Football Club.
He appointed a former Flying Eagles and Super Eagles player, Abubakar Musa, who enjoyed a distinguished playing career with Jigawa Golden Stars, Eagle Cement, Dolphins FC, Enyimba and clubs in Saudi Arabia, also served as Assistant Coach at Plateau United and Kano Pillars FC, as the club’s coach.
The lawmaker unveiled the coach on Thursday, September 11, at the club’s premises in Bichi Local Government Area of Kano State.
Hon. Bichi said the establishment of the club was part of efforts to harness football talents in his constituency and engage youths positively.
Hon Bichi said that plans are underway to construct an 18,000-capacity stadium in Bichi to further promote sports development.
“Our goal is to empower youths, discourage illicit activities and make Bichi First FC a source of pride for Kano State and Northern Nigeria,” he added.
In his remarks, Musa expressed appreciation to the club president and management for the confidence reposed in him, promising to deliver quality football that would make the club and its supporters proud.
Sports
Lagos wins 9th National Youth Games in Asaba
Lagos won 52 gold, 32 silver, and 26 bronze medals Delta, the host state, displaced Edo State to come second with 37 gold, 38 silver, and 39 bronze medals.Edo State garnered 33 gold, 18 silver, and 28 bronze medals to finish third.
Team Lagos has emerged champion of the 9th National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State.
Lagos won 52 gold, 32 silver, and 26 bronze medals Delta, the host state, displaced Edo State to come second with 37 gold, 38 silver, and 39 bronze medals.Edo State garnered 33 gold, 18 silver, and 28 bronze medals to finish third.
Thirty-three states participated in the game. They won registered a total of 802 medals, comprising 246 gold, 236 silver and 320 bronze medals.
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori urged the National Sports Commission (NSC) to urgently address the growing problem of age cheating at editions of the NYG in order to safeguard its credibility and ensure fairness.
Sports
Morocco qualify for 2026 World Cup
With the win, Morocco joins 16 other nations already confirmed for the expanded 48-team tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Morocco has become the first African nation to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
This follows a dominant 5-0 victory over Niger in Rabat.
The Atlas Lions clinched top spot in Group E with ease, as Ismaeil Saibari struck twice in the first half before Ayoub El Kaabi, Hamza Igamane, and Azzedine Ounahi added second-half goals against 10-man Niger, who had Abdul-Latif Goumey sent off.
With the win, Morocco joins 16 other nations already confirmed for the expanded 48-team tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
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