Chess: Team Nigeria Departs For AYCC in Zimbabwe

By Andrew Abah, Abuja 
 
Team Nigeria comprising Deborah Quickpen, Chiamaka Nwankwo, Zita Agusionu, Jason Nwankwo, Olakitan Elegbede, Adeola Elegbede, Bayefa Oyeinkeperemo and Goodness Ekunke, has departed Saturday morning for Harare, Zimbabwe to represent Nigeria in the African Youth Chess Championship (AYCC). The AYCC is for Under 10 -18 years.

The Chess Championship will run from December 6-14th with several African countries vying for honours. Egypt, Libya, Algeria and Ghana are part of the participating teams. Others include Madagascar, Kenya, South Africa and the hosts, Zimbabwe, featuring in different categories of the event.

Notably among the Nigerian team is chess prodigy, Bayelsa’s Deborah Quickpen, a shining star who is expected to prove her mettle in the women’s board category. She won gold for Bayelsa at the last National Sports Festival.

The 13-years-old Nigerian champion, who is one of the players to watch in her age bracket at the event, shared her excitement on the cusp of the team’s departure: “I’m excited and looking forward to the championship in Harare. My aim is to come tops”. 

During the inaugural board meeting of the Nigeria Chess Federation, President, Senator Dankwambo pledged to prioritize youth tournament participation.

It is in fulfilment of this that the Nigerian youth team will be representing the country at the African Youth Chess Championship (AYCC) in Zimbabwe.