By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
Team Nigeria will be among the contenders when Africa’s finest chess players gather in Botswana for the 2026 African Individual Chess Championships, scheduled to hold from June 18 to 27 at the Debswana Jwaneng Mine.
Nigeria has entered a seven-player contingent for the prestigious continental tournament, with five players competing in the Open category and two in the Women’s section as they seek continental honours and qualification spots for the FIDE Chess World Cup.
The Scribe of the Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF), Mrs. Ejiro Thukson, disclosed that Nigeria’s Open team comprises Abdulrahmam Abdulraheem Akintoye, Odion Aikhoje, Adeyinka Adewole, Paul Eloka and Tennyson Ewomazino Olisa, while Ofowino Toritsemuwa and Bridget Michael will represent the country in the Women’s category.
Adeyinka Adewole, Vice President of the Nigeria Chess Federation, is expected to lead the Nigerian delegation to Botswana and will also compete for honours at the championship.
Widely regarded as Africa’s premier individual chess tournament, the championship is expected to attract some of the continent’s strongest players, including Grandmasters, International Masters and emerging talents. The competition also serves as a qualification pathway to the prestigious FIDE Chess World Cup, making it one of the most significant events on the African chess calendar.
According to the Botswana Chess Federation (BCF), 25 African countries have confirmed participation in the championship, which will be hosted in Botswana for the first time. The event coincides with the 50th anniversary celebrations of the African Chess Confederation (ACC), adding further significance to the tournament.
President of the Botswana Chess Federation, Kutlwano Tatolo, described the competition as Africa’s most prestigious individual chess championship, noting that the participation of elite players from across the continent reflects the growing strength and popularity of chess in Africa.
For Team Nigeria, the tournament presents another opportunity to showcase the country’s growing influence on the African chess scene and challenge for continental honours against the best players on the continent.
Beyond the competition, the championship will celebrate five decades of African chess development while promoting unity, excellence and sportsmanship across the continent.
With qualification for the FIDE Chess World Cup at stake, Nigeria’s representatives will be aiming to make a strong statement when the championship begins in Jwaneng later this month.
Team Nigeria Squad
Open Category
- Abdulrahmam Abdulraheem Akintoye
- Odion Aikhoje
- Adeyinka Adewole
- Paul Eloka
- Tennyson Ewomazino Olisa
Women’s Category
- Ofowino Toritsemuwa
- Bridget Michael
