Chairperson of NiDCOM Praise Onakoya for Achieving Global Chess Record Break
Spotlight on Tunde Onakoya: Nigerian Chess Maestro Breaks World Record!
Yo, peeps! Get ready for some serious board game action! Our pal, Tunde Onakoya, has done it again! According to the buzz online, this Nigerian Chess Master and the brainiac behind Chess in Slums Africa, is now the officially recognized world record holder for the longest chess marathon.
The Chess Master and NM Shawn Martinez from the States went toe-to-toe in a mind-bending 64-hour chess marathon at Times Square, New York City. This epic match happened between April 17 and April 20, 2025 – setting a new global benchmark in chess endurance.
Those record-breakers initially aimed for an impressive 70 hours, but stopped at 64 to symbolize the exact number of squares on a chessboard. Their previous rivals, the Norwegian duo Odin Blikra Vea and Askild Bryn, once held the title with a time of 61 hours, 3 minutes, and 34 seconds. Not anymore!
Tunde Onokoya's accomplishments don't stop at this impressive feat. Apart from his chess skills, he's also using the game as a remarkable tool for social change and education. The man's commitment to raising funds for free schools for homeless African kids through Chess in Slums Africa continues to inspire the people worldwide.
When reacting to Onakoya's remarkable performance, the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, congratulated the chess maestro on his resilience and brilliance. She also acclaimed his consistent advocacy for underprivileged children. Dabiri-Erewa mentioned that his inspiring story of purpose-driven excellence is a powerful example for young Nigerians.
"Tunde Onakoya embodies the most outstanding qualities of Nigerian spirit – determined, visionary, impactful," she said. "His latest record isn't just personal, it's a win for Nigeria and the entire African continent. He's made us proud once again!"
The NiDCOM Chairman also expressed the Commission's full support for Nigerians shining globally and urged the youth to draw inspiration from Tunde Onakoya's incredible journey towards excellence.
Tune in for more Buzz-worthy articles on Nigeria and the Diaspora!
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Sources:
[1] Onakoya, Tunde. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tunde_Onakoya
[2] New Guinness World Record for longest chess marathon. (2025, May 10). Retrieved from https://chessinSlumsAfrica.org/new-guinness-world-record-longest-chess-marathon/
[3] Record-breaking 64-hour chess marathon ends in Times Square. (2025, April 21). Retrieved from https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2025/4/world-record-longest-chess-marathon-breaking-lyon-in-times-square-1027254/
[4] African Chess Master Sets New Guinness World Record for Longest Chess Marathon. (2025, April 23). Retrieved from https://thenationonlineng.net/african-chess-master-sets-new-guinness-world-record-for-longest-chess-marathon/
[5] World Record Shattered: Tunde Onakoya Leads 64-Hour Chess Marathon! (2025, April 21). Retrieved from https://www.premiumtimesng.com/sports/news/500829-world-record-shattered-tunde-onakoya-leads-64-hour-chess-marathon.html
- Tunde Onakoya, the Nigerian Chess Maestro, recently surpassed the world record for the longest chess marathon, a feat achieved in a 64-hour match against NM Shawn Martinez in New York City.
- Senators across Nigeria have praised Tunde Onakoya's accomplishments, honoring him for his record-breaking chess marathon and his ongoing commitment to raising funds for Chess in Slums Africa.
- During a senate session, the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, expressed her pride in Tinubu's reforms, stating that they will yield positive results for all Nigerians.
- As the Chess Maestro continues to garner global attention, many Nigerian sports enthusiasts are calling for greater investment in sports infrastructure and education, drawing inspiration from Tunde Onakoya's inspiring journey in sports and social change.
- Football teams across Naija are eager to learn from Tunde Onakoya's resilience and determination, aiming to surpass both local and international competitors in upcoming marathon tournaments, emulating the chess maestro's unwavering spirit and love for the game.
