The 2025 National Sports Festival in Ogun State wasn’t just about athletics, football, or track events — it became a bold celebration of mind sports. Among them, chess shone brightly, proving that Nigeria’s new generation of players is ready to take center stage.
The chess event was marked by youth dominance, technical brilliance, and one of the most effective collaborations yet between the Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF) and the Nigeria Sports Commission (NSC).
🏛️ A Strategic Collaboration That Worked
For years, chess enthusiasts had hoped to see stronger institutional backing for the sport — and 2025 delivered just that.
The NCF and NSC joined forces to ensure the smooth inclusion of chess in the festival lineup, giving the event the recognition and logistics support it truly deserved.
While the NSC provided the structural backbone — facilities, accommodation, and national visibility — the NCF ensured world-class coordination, fair pairings, and smooth operations through certified arbiters.
This partnership ensured that chess didn’t just blend into the festival — it stood out. Every board, every move, and every medal ceremony carried the weight of national pride.
🧠 The Young Generation Stole the Show
If one story defined the 2025 Chess Festival, it was the dominance of young and fearless players.
From rapid battles to classical duels, the boards were lit up by teenagers and early-20s stars who played with confidence beyond their years. They weren’t intimidated by veterans — they outplayed them.
These young talents didn’t just fill seats; they filled the podium. The rise of young names like Tennyson Olisa, Deborah Quickpen, and Abdulrahman Akintoye reminded everyone that Nigeria’s chess future is already here.
🥇 Top Performers — The Best of Ogun 2025
The chess competition at the NSF saw outstanding performances across all boards, but some names made history with their results:
| Player | State | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Abdulrahman Akintoye | Oyo | Gold – Men’s Board 1 |
| Tennyson Ewomazino Olisa | Oyo | Gold – Men’s Board 2 |
| Abiola Daniel Akinseye | Oyo | Gold – Men’s Board 4 |
| Adebayo Oludayo Matan | Ogun | Gold – Men’s Board 5 |
| Eyetonghan Denyefa Callistus | Edo | Gold – Men’s Board 6 |
| Deborah Ebimobo-Ere Quickpen | Bayelsa | Gold – Women’s Board 1 |
| Peace Samson | Oyo | Silver – Women’s Board 1 |
| Lily Nora Ogheneyerovwo Igbigbi | Rivers | Bronze – Women’s Board 1 |
Oyo State emerged one of the most consistent performers overall — a reflection of its well-structured chess program and investment in youth players. Bayelsa’s Deborah Quickpen, one of Nigeria’s brightest young stars, once again proved her mettle by taking gold in the Women’s top board category.
⚡ Energy, Depth & Determination
Every round was a lesson in composure and calculation. The youthful energy was infectious, and the spectators could feel the tension in the air — especially during the medal rounds, where top boards were surrounded by eager fans and teammates.
Arbiters praised the discipline and tactical depth on display, noting that the level of play continues to rise with every National Sports Festival.
🌍 Why It Matters for Nigerian Chess
This 2025 edition was more than just another tournament — it was a statement that chess is now a full-fledged sport in Nigeria, not just a pastime.
- It solidified the NCF’s role in promoting chess through institutional partnerships.
- It validated the youth movement sweeping through Nigerian chess.
- It inspired more states to invest in young talent and school-level programs.
With more exposure, sponsorship, and visibility through the festival, chess is earning its rightful seat among Nigeria’s top competitive sports.
💬 Final Takeaway
The National Sports Festival Chess Event 2025 was a victory for the game itself — a celebration of youth, brilliance, and resilience.
From Ogun’s lively playing halls to Oyo’s golden runs and Bayelsa’s star performance, every state contributed to a festival that will be remembered as the moment Nigeria’s young masters took charge.
The message from Ogun 2025 was loud and clear: the future of Nigerian chess is young, bright, and unstoppable.
