The inspirational narratives of sisterly success in sports are prominently embodied by the Williams sisters, Serena and Venus, who revolutionized women’s tennis with their unmatched athleticism and competitive spirit. Their legacy is a catalyst that has influenced a slew of sibling athletes aiming for greatness in various sports disciplines. Two remarkable emerging talents, the Onoriode sisters—Bernice and Anna—have begun to write their own stories in athletics and chess, putting themselves on a trajectory that echoes the successes of the Williams and Ogwumike families. Their journey, filled with dedication and passion for their respective sports, showcases the unique bond of sisterhood, which fuels their rivalry and drives them toward exceptional accomplishments.
The Onoriode sisters, hailing from Kaduna State with diverse Nigerian heritage, began their athletic pursuits three years ago under the guidance of their father, Felix Onoriode, a well-known athletics coach at the N-Youth Sports Academy in Abuja. This foundation laid the groundwork for their subsequent achievements and competitive spirit. Their story gained significant attention during a recent chess event at the National Youth Games held in Asaba, Delta State, where the two sisters faced each other in the preliminary rounds. This encounter marked a significant milestone for both, with 13-year-old Bernice representing Delta State and Anna competing for Kaduna State. The match culminated with Bernice securing victory and a silver medal, establishing the seriousness of their rivalry coupled with the emotional weight it bore for their family.
Felix Onoriode expressed both pride and emotional overwhelm as he watched his daughters compete against each other, a realization he had mentally prepared for. He recognized the potential for sibling rivalry to add a unique intensity to their sporting experiences while also serving as a teaching moment for Anna, who was determined to defeat her older sister. This match represented a first in competitive settings, highlighting the complex dynamics of sibling relationships, particularly in competitive sports, where familial bonds can be both supportive and contested. Anna, despite her defeat, reflected on the nature of their games together, noting how they often take turns winning, revealing a nuanced understanding of competition among family members.
The playful yet intense rivalry is deepened by their geographic representation in the National Youth Games. Bernice’s decision to play for Delta State emerged from the disappointment of being dropped from the female chess team in Kaduna in 2022, marking a pivotal moment in their sporting journeys. By training and trying out for Delta, Bernice aimed to ensure that she could compete without the fear of cancellation, demonstrating the proactive steps the sisters and their father have taken to optimize their chances in sports. Bernice’s diversification of interests extends beyond chess into athletics, particularly in sprints and long jumps, where she has garnered multiple victories, including gold medals at the MTN Champs and a bronze at a national finals event.
While Bernice excels in both athletics and chess, her younger sister Anna focuses primarily on chess and scrabble, recognizing her strengths and limitations. Their shared ambition, however, unites them as they aspire to make significant names for themselves. Anna’s acknowledgment of her sister’s endurance and athletic prowess while simultaneously expressing their collective goal of becoming number one in their sports exemplifies how both sisterly love and rivalry nurture motivation and personal growth. Their discussions about aspirations highlight a healthy respect for each other’s talents while fostering an environment where competition and support coexist.
Their father, Felix, plays a pivotal role in navigating their sibling rivalry, ensuring it remains constructive rather than detrimental. This balance allows the two sisters to enjoy their respective sports while also encouraging each other’s ambitions. As a coach, Felix embraces the competitive spirit of their arrangement, steering them toward improvement and mutual support. He highlights chess’s transformative impact on Bernice’s behavior, suggesting that engaging in the game has helped her overcome hyperactivity and foster greater focus. As the Onoriode sisters continue to develop and excel, the inevitability of comparisons to celebrated sister athletes like the Williams and Ogwumikes emerges, bolstered by their strong family bond, nurtured talent, and dedication to their sports, hinting at a promising future ahead.
