No fewer than 40 professional and amateur chess players are set to compete in the Ahmed Bolaji Nagode (ABN) Rapid Chess Tournament on November 30 in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State.

The event, sponsored by veteran chess enthusiast Ahmed Nagode, aims to promote chess culture and nurture local talents. Speaking to journalists in Ilorin, the Technical Director of the Nigeria Chess Federation and Vice Chairman of the Kwara Chess Association, Ali Durotoye, highlighted the tournament's potential to elevate the status of chess in the state.

Nigeria's current National Open Chess champion, Adeoti Bolaji, who is also a superintendent with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, will lead other participants in the competition.

He said “Others include North Central women's champion Merydiyya Abdulsalam, Emmanuel Anuebunwa, and Ojo David.

“The event will follow a rapid chess format, requiring quick decision-making and strategic thinking, with participants from diverse categories, including male, female, and junior players,” Durotoye said.

According to him, the tournament seeks to foster inclusivity, with prizes for the best female junior player, to encourage fearless competition among young and female players.

“Additionally, a national arbiter certification seminar will precede the tournament from 26 to 30 November, equipping chess officials with the skills to manage future tournaments effectively”, he added.

Durotoye noted that the Nigeria Chess Federation and Kwara Chess Association are supporting the tournament.