Tennyson Olisa, a rising Nigerian chess star, has etched his name into African chess history by emerging victorious at the inaugural Africa Super Zonal Chess Championship, held in Lagos, Nigeria.
Olisa Dominates in Historic Chess Tournament
At just 22 years old, Olisa delivered a stunning performance, finishing with 7½ points out of 9 rounds to claim the Africa Zonal Chess crown. Competing against some of the continent’s finest players, he demonstrated tactical brilliance and maturity well beyond his years.
Coming off a silver medal win at the Zone 4.2 Championship, Olisa’s Lagos triumph not only sealed his status as one of Africa’s best but also earned him major opportunities on the global stage.
Pathway to the FIDE World Cup
With this win, Tennyson Olisa now qualifies to face the bronze medalist from the African Individual Chess Championship for a slot in the 2025 FIDE World Cup. Additionally, he has secured a prestigious spot in the FIDE Grand Swiss, one of the highest-level competitions in world chess.
“This means the world to me,” Olisa said
emotionally after sealing the title.
“Winning this title on home soil is something I’ll never forget. I am proud to represent Nigeria and Africa at the next level.”
Women’s Division: Nassr Wins on Tie-Break
In the women’s category, Algeria’s Lina Nassr came out on top, winning on a tie-break after finishing joint second with 6½ points alongside Nigeria’s Abdulrahman Akintoye. Nassr’s victory reflects the close competition and growing strength of women’s chess across Africa.
A New Era for African Chess
The event was organized by the African Chess Confederation (ACC) with strong support from the Nigerian government, the Nigeria Sports Commission, and the Nigeria Chess Federation.
“This was more than a competition, it was a celebration of unity, talent, and the promising future of zonal chess across Africa,” said Nadezhda Marochkin, Vice President of the ACC.
“We are immensely proud of every player who took part in this inaugural event. Their commitment, passion, and integrity embody the spirit of African chess.”
A Proud Moment for Nigeria
Olisa’s success signals a significant moment for Nigerian chess, showcasing the nation’s potential to lead the continent in the sport. With support from national sporting authorities, events like this are expected to become a cornerstone in developing the next generation of African chess champions.
Comments are closed.