Tennyson Olisa, a 22-year-old Nigerian chess prodigy, etched his name into the annals of chess history by clinching the inaugural Africa Super Zonal Chess Championship held in Lagos, Nigeria. Olisa, fresh off a silver medal win at the Zone 4.2 Championship, demonstrated remarkable prowess and maturity throughout the tournament, accumulating 7½ points out of nine rounds to secure the coveted title. This victory not only crowned him the continental champion but also paved the way for a potential berth in the prestigious 2025 FIDE World Cup. His dominant performance against a formidable field of competitors solidified his position as a rising star in the world of chess. This triumph on home soil was a particularly poignant moment for Olisa, signifying not just personal achievement but also national pride.
Olisa’s journey to the World Cup qualification involves a decisive match against the bronze medalist from the African Individual Chess Championship. Victory in this encounter will secure his participation in the global tournament. Furthermore, his exceptional performance in the Super Zonal Championship has earned him a coveted spot in the FIDE Grand Swiss, a prestigious tournament featuring some of the world’s top chess players. Olisa’s achievement marks a significant milestone in his career, propelling him onto the international stage and solidifying his reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the chess world.
While Olisa’s triumph dominated the headlines, the women’s category witnessed a thrilling competition. Algeria’s Lina Nassr emerged victorious after a tie-break, finishing joint second with 6½ points alongside Nigeria’s Abdulrahman Akintoye. Nassr’s victory highlights the growing strength of women’s chess in Africa and underscores the increasing competitiveness of the continental chess scene. The championship, organized by the African Chess Confederation (AAC) with the backing of the Nigerian government and sporting authorities, showcased the continent’s burgeoning chess talent and marked a significant step forward for zonal chess in Africa.
The inaugural Africa Super Zonal Chess Championship represents a landmark event for African chess, signifying a new era of growth and development for the sport on the continent. The tournament, hosted in Lagos, provided a platform for African chess players to compete at the highest level and demonstrate their skills on the international stage. The success of the event underscores the increasing popularity and competitiveness of chess in Africa, highlighting the continent’s potential to produce world-class chess players. The event also served as a testament to the collaborative efforts of the AAC, Nigerian government, and sporting authorities in promoting and developing chess in the region.
The AAC expressed immense pride in all the participants, commending their exceptional display of skill, sportsmanship, and dedication to the game. The tournament was not merely a competition but a celebration of unity, talent, and the promising future of zonal chess in Africa. The AAC Vice President, Nadezhda Marochkin, extended heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and participants, emphasizing the significance of their contributions to the growth of chess on the continent. Marochkin also expressed gratitude to the Nigerian government, the Nigeria Sports Commission, and the Nigeria Chess Federation for their unwavering support and hospitality in hosting this landmark tournament.
The success of the inaugural Africa Super Zonal Chess Championship underscores the growing momentum of chess in Africa, paving the way for future growth and development of the sport. The tournament served as a platform for showcasing the talent and potential of African chess players, inspiring future generations of chess enthusiasts. The event also highlighted the importance of collaboration and support from government and sporting authorities in fostering the growth of chess on the continent. The championship marked a significant step forward in the development of zonal chess in Africa, setting the stage for even greater achievements in the years to come.
