The second edition of the Ecobank National Schools’ Team Chess Championship witnessed intense competition as young chess prodigies from across Nigeria battled for supremacy. Day two of the tournament focused on the secondary school category, featuring 134 schools vying for the coveted title. After six challenging rounds, Platform School emerged victorious, showcasing exceptional strategic thinking and gameplay. Daysprings Secondary School secured the second position, while Shima Academy rounded out the top three, demonstrating their prowess on the chessboard. The tournament highlighted the growing popularity and competitiveness of chess among Nigerian secondary schools.
The impressive performance of Chess in Slums Africa, mentored by Tunde Onakoya, deserves special recognition. Securing the fourth position, these young chess players, hailing from underprivileged backgrounds, exemplified the transformative power of sports. Their dedication and passion for chess shone brightly throughout the tournament, proving that talent can thrive even in challenging circumstances. The participation of Chess in Slums Africa added a heartwarming dimension to the championship, showcasing the inclusive nature of the competition.
The remaining top ten positions were fiercely contested. St Clement Secondary School Gbaiko claimed the fifth spot, followed by St Gregory’s College in sixth place. Ambassadors College Ota, Sasa Community Junior and Senior High School, Value Place College, and ABS College completed the top ten, highlighting the diverse representation of schools from various regions of Nigeria. The strong showing from these schools underscores the nationwide growth of chess as a popular and intellectually stimulating activity.
Several well-known institutions also participated in the championship, further emphasizing the widespread interest in chess among Nigerian students. Kings College Lagos finished in 19th place, while Indian Language School secured the 23rd position. Queens College Lagos and Corona Secondary School Agbara placed 83rd and 129th, respectively. The participation of these established schools demonstrates the growing recognition of chess as a valuable educational tool that fosters critical thinking and strategic planning skills.
The Ecobank National Schools’ Team Chess Championship, with its impressive participation numbers, underscores the growing popularity of chess at all educational levels. A total of 197 primary schools competed on the first day, followed by 134 secondary schools on the second day. The grand finale, scheduled for the third day, will feature 32 universities and institutions battling it out for the tertiary category title. The significant participation numbers across all categories reflect the growing enthusiasm for chess as a competitive and intellectually enriching activity in Nigeria.
The tournament, with a total prize money of twenty million naira, represents a substantial investment in the development of young chess players in Nigeria. The generous prize pool not only incentivizes participation but also recognizes the dedication and talent of the participating students. The Ecobank National Schools’ Team Chess Championship serves as a platform for young chess enthusiasts to showcase their skills, fostering a culture of competitive excellence and promoting the intellectual growth of Nigerian youth. The competition’s success highlights the potential of chess to become a major sport in Nigeria and inspire future generations of chess players.
