Nigeria’s Odafe Benedict Efemuai emerged as one of the major stars of the FIDE World Amateur Blitz Chess Championship in Abuja, winning the Under 2300 Open category as India also recorded impressive successes across several divisions.
The two-day Blitz Championship, held from August 6 to 7, brought the second phase of the FIDE World Amateur Rapid & Blitz Chess Championships to a close.
The competition was jointly organised by FIDE and the Nigeria Chess Federation, with players from Nigeria, India and Cameroon battling over 11 Swiss-system rounds under a fast-paced 3+2 time control.
Efemuai produced a strong performance, accumulating eight points to finish third in the overall standings.
Despite finishing behind India’s AIM Shejal Sahil Sanjay, who topped the table with nine points, and CM Pankaj Sharma, who was runner-up with 8½ points, Efemuai secured the Under 2300 Open gold medal under the championship’s category-based prize regulations.
Nigeria’s impressive showing extended beyond Efemuai, with Nigerian players occupying positions three through ten in the overall classification, underlining the country’s growing strength and depth in amateur chess.
India, however, enjoyed a highly successful outing, with Shejal Sahil Sanjay winning the Under 2000 Open title with nine points, while Saket Kumar claimed the Under 1700 Open crown with 6½ points. Rani Puja also emerged Under 1700 Women champion after scoring 4½ points.
Nigeria completed a strong showing in the women’s categories, with Omoruyi Sandra Osarugue winning the Under 2000 Women title with 5½ points, while WFM Asanga Nsisong claimed the Under 2300 Women championship with three points.
The championships ended with a colourful closing ceremony attended by National Sports Commission Chairman Alhaji Shehu Dikko, Nigeria Chess Federation President Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo and FIDE Delegate Sergei Indeikin.
Chief Arbiter Olalekan Adeyemi presented the official tournament report before the various category champions were decorated with their medals.
The event was brought to a close by Nigeria Chess Federation Vice President Prince Adeyinka Adewole, whose Vote of Thanks highlighted the spirit of competition, international friendship and the successful staging of the five-day championship in Abuja.
