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Tunde Onakoya: Nigerian Chess Master On Verge Of Breaking Guinness World Record
A Nigerian chess master and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, is currently on the verge of breaking the Guinness World Record for playing chess for 58 hours without losing a game to any of his opponents.
Nation Post is aware that a 29-year-old individual has coordinated several interventions for children in various slums within Lagos state, such as Majidun, Makoko, and, most recently, Oshodi.
Tunde Onakoya and fans in New York ahead of his Guinness World Record Bid
So far in his Guinness World Record journey, Onakoya has played over 15 hours and is still counting, with 12 wins, 0 draws, and 0 losses.
The historic Chess event is being held in Times Square, New York, and is scheduled to conclude at 8 p.m. on Friday, April 19th.
Onakoya had announced his intention to make the Guinness World Record attempt on his X account on April 5th, sharing his reason:
He stated his motivation: “I am Doing this for the dreams of millions of children across Africa without access to education.”
The existing Guinness World record for the lengthiest chess marathon is 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 37 seconds, achieved by Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad of Norway on November 11, 2018.
Former Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo and Chess Master, Tunde Onakoya
We Are All Behind You – Ex-Vice President Osinbajo Backs Onakoya
Professor Yemi Osinbajo, the immediate former Vice President of Nigeria, has conveyed his good wishes to Tunde Onakoya as the Chess master strives to set a new Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon.
Sharing a picture of himself and Onakoya playing chess, Osinbajo, through his X (formerly Twitter), captioned: “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!”
