Omotayo Fashola
(Goodness Ekunke. Photo by Nation News)
A teenage chess sensation from Bayelsa State has stunned the global chess community by securing victory at the prestigious World Rapid Amateur Chess Championship in Abuja, defeating elite opponents from across the world.
Fourteen-year-old Goodness Ekunke first honed his skills at just five years old under the mentorship of FIDE Master Kigigha Bomo in Yenagoa, who regards his protégé as one of Nigeria’s brightest chess talents.
The championship’s climactic moment came when Ekunke strategically drew against Nigerian FM Eugene Unwana in the final match to claim gold.
Unwana took silver with 8½ points after a fierce tie-break against FM Bomo Kigigha, who settled for bronze with identical points.
Competitors battled under rapid chess rules, with each player receiving 15 minutes plus 10-second increments per move.
Sambo Joseph, 17, emerged as a dark horse, delivering shocking upsets by defeating tournament favorite Ekunke in round eight and overcoming Kigigha earlier. His streak continued with a win against India’s AIM Sahil Shejal before faltering in later rounds.
Unwana’s late surge saw him defeat both Kigigha and Joseph in consecutive matches, nearly overturning Ekunke’s lead before the decisive draw solidified the young champion’s position.
Ekunke’s path to glory includes dominating Nigeria’s chess circuit — securing gold at the 2022 National Sports Festival and dual silver medals in 2024.
His trophy collection boasts National Youth Games medals (2022-2025) and multiple victories at the Niger Delta Sports Festival, where he claimed five golds and one silver across two editions.
Currently ranked among Nigeria’s top chess talents, Ekunke will represent his nation at September’s World Chess Olympiad in Samarkand alongside teammate Ebimobo-Ere Deborah and coach Kigigha Bomo.
