Team Nigeria reached six match points in both sections of the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand after a mixed Round 5, Bold Sports reports.
The Open team responded to its previous defeat with a convincing win, while the Women’s team battled to a 2-2 draw against the Czech Republic.
The results also highlighted several strong individual performances. Odey Goodness Ekunke has collected 3½ points from his first five Olympiad games. Michelle Chiamaka Nwankwo leads the women’s team with 4½ points from five games. Their contributions have helped Nigeria maintain six match points in both sections.
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Open team responds against Malawi
Nigeria’s Open team delivered a commanding 3½-½ victory over Malawi. The result came after a 3-1 loss to Cuba in the previous round.
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Bomo Lovet Kigigha started the contest with a draw against Joseph Mwale on Board 1. Nigeria then took control through its remaining boards.
Abdulrahman Akintoye Abdulraheem defeated his opponent on Board 2. IM Odion Aikhoje also secured a win on Board 3. Ekunke completed the winning run on Board 4.
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The 15-year-old Ekunke continues to impress at his first Olympiad. He now has 3½ points after five games. That tally matches Aikhoje’s total.
Abdulraheem has recorded 2½ points, while Kigigha has two points after five rounds.
Women’s team holds Czech Republic
Nigeria’s Women’s team also moved to six match points after sharing the spoils with the Czech Republic.
Deborah Ebimobo-ere Quickpen lost to Joanna Worek. Nwankwo then brought Nigeria level with a victory over Anna Lhotska.
Sandra Osarugue Omoruyi later suffered defeat against Lucie Rybackova. Bridget Michael responded with Nigeria’s second win of the match.
Michael defeated Tereza Rodshtein to secure the 2-2 draw.
Nwankwo remains Nigeria’s leading performer in Samarkand. She has accumulated 4½ points from five games. Omoruyi has three points, while Quickpen has two.
Nigeria prepares for Round 6
Both Nigerian teams now have six match points after five rounds.
The Open team is scheduled to face Vietnam in Round 6. Its opponents include IM Dau Khuong Duy, IM Banh Gia Huy, IM Nguyen Quoc Hy and IM Pham Tran Gia Phuc.
The Women’s team will meet Austria. Both teams enter the encounter with six match points.
Round 6 will mark the final session before the scheduled rest day on September 22. The Olympiad will then continue through Round 11 on September 27.
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