On Tuesday, June 11, 2024, Nigerian chess champion Tunde Onakoya and teenage prodigy Deborah Quickpen will face in a match that is known as the “mother of chess matches.” Chess fans and the general public are looking forward to this match, which is not only a demonstration of extraordinary skill but also an important effort to advance education and help many young people in Nigeria reach their full potential.
The 12-year-old Quickpen will be facing Tunde Onakoya, who recently made headlines by breaking the record for the longest marathon chess game. Tunde Onakoya called this match his hardest to date. With an astounding 60-hour session, Onakoya holds the record, breaking the previous record set by Norwegian players in 2018. His accomplishment, which he spoke about with great zeal
Onakoya’s opponent, Deborah Quickpen, is not only representing Nigeria at the FIDE Chess World Cup in Georgia next month but is also currently ranked as Nigeria’s top chess prodigy and fourth across all female age groups in Africa. She is the reigning Nigeria National Women’s Chess Champion and the youngest to ever hold this title in the nation’s history. Her achievements at such a young age, including earning the title of Women’s Candidate Master, highlight her remarkable capabilities and promise in the world of chess.
Onakoya expressed immense respect for Quickpen’s skills and potential, stating on his X account, “I have faced many tough opponents, but this will undoubtedly be my hardest match yet. I can categorically say that she is the future of chess in Nigeria.” He emphasized that the upcoming game is more than just a match; it is a demonstration of the incredible potential within every child.
The proceeds from this high-profile match will be directed towards expanding the reach and impact of chess in Nigeria, furthering Onakoya’s commitment to using chess as a tool for educational and personal development among Nigerian youth. He views the match as a testament to the opportunities that can emerge from nurturing young talents and providing them with the platforms to excel.
The game, which is scheduled to take place in a few days, has drawn a lot of interest and has brought attention to Nigeria’s cultural significance as well as the game’s potential to be a transformative tool for youth development.
