The president of the Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF), Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, has declared that improved attention to the welfare of the country’s athletes is a major factor that’s changing the narrative of results the country is getting internationally, Sports247 reports.
READ ALSO: FIDE Hails Nigeria’s Growing Chess Profile as Abuja Hosts World Amateur Championships
Dankwambo made the observation while speaking at the end of the recent FIDE World Amateur Rapid & Blitz Championships in Abuja, which he described as a landmark achievement for Nigeria and a major milestone for further development of the sport in Africa.
The NCF boss went on to pour encomiums on Nigeria for successfully staging the prestigious international championship, which took place from August 1st to 8th at Bolton White Hotel, Abuja and became the first time an African country hosted the contest.
While noting that the competition attracted amateur players, officials and enthusiasts from around the world, Dankwambo opined in a press statement signed by his spokesperson, Mallam Farouk Yarma, that International Chess Federation (FIDE) must also be praised for awarding Nigeria the hosting rights.
He added that the decision demonstrated international confidence in the country’s organisational capacity, availability of qualitty sports infrastructure and commitment to developing chess, while also describing the gathering as an important opportunity to strengthen Nigeria’s position globally in the game.
“We are witnessing a rapid and positive transformation in Nigeria’s sports sector. Improvements in athlete welfare, discipline, innovation and strategic leadership are changing the narrative of Nigerian sports and creating new opportunities for our athletes,” Dankwambo submitted.
Sports247 reports further that Nigeria enacted a clean sweep of the titles, as 14-year-old Ekunke Odey Goodness won gold in rapid event, after an 11-round campaign in which he scored nine points, while Eugene Unwana and Bomo Kigigha won silver and bronze respectively.
Nigeria also excelled in the rating categories, as Efemuai Odafe Benedict won the U2300 Open title, with Omoruyi Sandra Osarugue and Woman FIDE Master Asanga Nsisong also among the champions, while Indian players claimed victories in the U1700 and U2000 Open categories.
