A total of eight chess players (four men and four women) have been called to camp in preparation for the forthcoming 13th African Games in Accra, Ghana from March 8 to 23, 2024, according to the Nigeria Chess Federation.
The chess games of the African Games will take place at the Alisa Hotel, Accra from March 8 to 12.
Chess which was last played at the 2015 African Games in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo is making a return in Ghana with a total of 24 African countries including Nigeria expected to feature.
The quartet of Bomo Kigigha, Olanrewaju Ajibola, Balogun Oluwafemi, and Aikhoje Odion will represent Nigeria in the men’s category while Samson Peace, Bridget Micheal 16 points, Ofowino Toritsemuwa and Ogbiyoyo Perpetual will represent Nigeria in the women’s category.
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All eight players qualified for the Games via the rigorous Africa Games 2024 Trials held on 27 January 2024 at Chevron Recreational Center Gbagada Lagos.
The chess tournament at the 13th African Games will feature 24 participating countries, each allowed to field a team comprising two players: one male, one female, and one captain.
Events will include the Mixed Team Rapid Championship, Men’s Rapid Championship, Women’s Rapid Championship, Mixed Team Blitz Championship, Men’s Blitz Championship, and Women’s Blitz Championship.
Team Nigeria’s delegation for the 2024 African Games will commence training on February 15, 2024, across five states Abuja, Lagos, Ibadan, Gombe, and Bayelsa ramping up preparations for the Games slated to be held in Accra, Ghana from March 8th to 23rd, 2024.
Nigeria will compete in 25 sports, with eight being Olympic qualifiers. the country will partake in 15 non-Olympic qualifying sports.