No fewer than 40 professional and amateur chess players will participate in the Ahmed Bolaji Nagode (ABN) Rapid Chess Tournament scheduled for November 30 in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

Technical Director of the Nigeria Chess Federation who also doubles as the Vice Chairman of the Kwara Chess Association, Ali Durotoye, disclosed this to newsmen in Ilorin.

He said the competition to be sponsored by a veteran player and enthusiast, Ahmed Nagode, is to promote chess culture and nurture local talents in the state. 

Nigeria’s reigning National Open Chess champion and superintendent of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Adeoti Bolaji, will lead other players to the tournament.

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He said “Others include North Central women’s champion Merydiyya Abdulsalam, Emmanuel Anuebunwa, and Ojo David.

“The event will follow a rapid chess format, requiring quick decision-making and strategic thinking, with participants from diverse categories, including male, female, and junior players,” Durotoye said.

According to him, the tournament seeks to foster inclusivity, with prizes for the best female junior player, to encourage fearless competition among young and female players.

“Additionally, a national arbiter certification seminar will precede the tournament from 26 to 30 November, equipping chess officials with the skills to manage future tournaments effectively”, he added.

Durotoye noted that the Nigeria Chess Federation and Kwara Chess Association are supporting the tournament.