International Chess Federation (FIDE) delegate Sergei Indeikin has commended Nigeria for successfully hosting the inaugural FIDE World Amateur Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships, describing the event as an important milestone for the development of chess in the country.
The championships brought amateur players from different parts of the world to Abuja from August 1 to 8, 2026, with competitors battling across Open and Women’s categories in three rating sections — Under 2300, Under 2000 and Under 1700.
Indeikin praised the Nigeria Chess Federation for its role in bringing the global competition to the country and for the steady growth of chess in Nigeria.
He also expressed FIDE’s willingness to continue supporting the development of the sport in Nigeria, particularly as the country increasingly positions itself as a host for major international chess events.
The competition featured Rapid and Blitz championships, with the Rapid events played over 11-round Swiss formats and the Blitz competition following a similar structure. The championships also carried a total prize fund of €20,160, with 12 world titles available across the different categories.
Nigeria’s rising profile in the sport was further highlighted by the performances of its young players, including Odey Goodness Ekunke, who is currently ranked among the country’s leading players and holds a FIDE classical rating of 2280.
The Abuja championships provided an important platform for Nigerian players to compete against international opposition while exposing the country’s growing chess community to a major global event on home soil.
For the Nigeria Chess Federation, the successful staging of the competition represents another step in its efforts to expand chess participation and strengthen the country’s position within the international chess community.
With FIDE continuing to support the growth of chess across emerging markets, Nigeria’s successful hosting of the World Amateur Rapid and Blitz Championships could provide further opportunities for international competitions and development programmes in the country.
