The Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF) is poised to host the prestigious International Chess Federation (FIDE) Zone 4.2 Chess Championship for the first time in its history. Scheduled to take place from March 31st to April 9th, 2024, at the Citiheight Luxury Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos, the tournament will witness a fierce battle of wits among twelve West African nations vying for regional dominance. This event holds special significance for Nigeria, marking not only a milestone in the development of chess within the region but also coinciding with the NCF’s 50th anniversary, a testament to its unwavering dedication to the sport.
Nigeria’s Abdulraheem Akintoye, the reigning champion, will be defending his title after a spectacular performance at the 2024 edition held in Monrovia, Liberia. He will face stiff competition from other elite chess players from across West Africa. The participating nations include Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Togo, Senegal, Cape Verde, Gambia, Ivory Coast, Mali, Burkina Faso, and, of course, the host nation, Nigeria. These countries have been consistent participants in the tournament, having competed in previous editions hosted by Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, Togo, and Liberia, highlighting the growing importance of this regional chess championship. The arrival of the participating nations is anticipated on March 31st, with the tournament officially commencing on April 1st.
The NCF has expressed profound gratitude to the various stakeholders who have made this event possible. These include the National Sports Commission, FIDE – the World Chess Body, the African Chess Confederation, and several sponsors whose identities will be unveiled during the championship. This collaborative effort underscores the importance placed on the tournament and its role in promoting chess within the region. The NCF has assured all participants and attendees of a well-organized and memorable event, reflecting the significance of this milestone in Nigerian chess history.
Beyond the immediate regional implications, the FIDE Zone 4.2 Championship serves as a stepping stone to even higher levels of competition. Following the conclusion of the zonal championship, Lagos will further play host to the Super Zonal Championship, scheduled for April 10th to 16th. This elite competition will gather champions from the 2024 and 2025 zonal events held across the entire African continent. The Super Zonal Championship represents a pinnacle of African chess, determining the ultimate “Champion of Champions.”
The stakes at the Super Zonal Championship are particularly high, as the winner will earn a coveted spot in the prestigious FIDE Chess World Cup later in the year. This opportunity to compete against the world’s best chess players is a significant prize, offering a platform for African chess talent to shine on the global stage. Furthermore, the Super Zonal champion will also gain the chance to qualify for the Grand Swiss Championship, another prestigious event on the international chess calendar. The back-to-back hosting of these two major championships underscores Nigeria’s growing prominence in the chess world.
Adeyinka Adewole, Vice President of the NCF and Chairman of the main organizing committee for both championships, emphasized the importance of these events. He noted the significance of hosting the Zone 4.2 Championship in Nigeria for the first time, particularly as it coincides with the NCF’s 50th anniversary. He further highlighted the importance of the Super Zonal Championship, stating that it provides a pathway for African players to reach the highest echelons of international chess competition, including the FIDE Chess World Cup and the Grand Swiss Championship. The dual hosting of these tournaments showcases Nigeria’s commitment to chess development, both regionally and continentally. It offers a unique opportunity for Nigerian chess enthusiasts to witness high-level competition and potentially celebrate the success of their compatriots on the international stage.
