Nigerian chess champion, Tunde Onakoya, began his ambitious attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest unbeaten chess marathon on Wednesday, 17th April.
Onakoya set up his board in the heart of New York City’s Times Square, aiming to play continuously for 58 hours without losing a single game.
The current record stands at 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 37 seconds, set by two Norwegians in 2018.
Onakoya, known for his philanthropic work through Chess in Slums Africa, is fueled by a purpose beyond the record itself.
“Doing this for the dreams of millions of children across Africa without access to education,” he declared on his social media platform.
Onakoya’s gruelling challenge has garnered support from Nigerians back home.
Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu sent their well wishes.
The United States and United Kingdom Diplomatic Missions in Nigeria also cheered Onakoya on via social media posts, and many Nigerians are following the event closely.
Ezinwanne Onwuka, senior staff reporter and columnist with WAP is a Nigerian-based writer and content developer. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Her interests include reading, writing, researching and graphic designing.
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