Sports Minister To Attend National Chess Championships
The organisers of the 2023 Nigeria National Chess Championships said the games, scheduled to be held in Lagos, would have the Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh as special guest.
Tournament Director, Rex Ogunnaike, said this in a statement in Lagos. He said in the last three years, the quality and influence of the Nigeria National Chess Championship had improved and grown significantly, leading to faster development of the sport in Nigeria.
“The championship has produced young talents and provided hints on the future possibilities of chess in Nigeria,” Ogunnaike said. “The 2023 edition of the Nigeria National Chess Championship is scheduled for October 2nd – 9th.”
“The tournament would feature an Elite Invitational Section with 24 of the best chess players in Nigeria. They will compete for the Nigeria National Chess Champion and Nigeria National Women’s Chess Champion titles.” 
The Tournament Director further revealed that the winners of titles would represent Nigeria at the 2024 Africa Individual Chess Championship (AICC).
“The 24 players in this section have gone through rigorous selection and qualification process, which includes a Nigeria National Chess Championship qualifiers tournament, to be able to compete in the final stage,” Ogunnaike added.
“Nigeria National Chess Championship 2023 will also have an Open Section which will accommodate players at every category including beginners and masters.”
“Any member of the public can register to participate in the Open Section, where they can test their mettle against other players of their strength. The Open Section will also have a vibrant Junior Category that will cater for U-20, U-14 and U-10 players,” he said.
The Director added that hundreds of school children were expected to participate in this category.
“Highlight of this year’s opening ceremony will be a session to induct seven distinguished Nigerian chess personalities and two organisations into the newly inaugurated Nigeria Chess Hall of Fame,” he said.
“This new development in Nigerian chess is set to celebrate and honour important contributors to the development of the sport in Nigeria.”
