Nigerian chess prodigy, Tennyson Olisa made history by winning the inaugural Africa Super Zonal Chess Championship in Lagos.
Cyber Reporters reports that the 22-year-old dominated the tournament, finishing with 7.5 points from nine rounds.
This impressive victory earned him a continental title and a chance to qualify for the 2025 FIDE World Cup.
Olisa’s win also secured a spot in the prestigious FIDE Grand Swiss.
“This means the world to me,” Olisa said after his final match.
“Winning this title on home soil is something I’ll never forget. I’m proud to represent Nigeria and Africa at the next level,” he added.
In the women’s category, Algeria’s Lina Nassr took the top spot on tiebreak after finishing joint second with 6.5 points alongside Nigeria’s Abdulrahman Akintoye.
However, Olisa’s performance earned him the top player award across all categories.
The African Chess Confederation hosted the championship with support from the Nigerian government and sporting authorities.
The event marked a new chapter for zonal chess in Africa, celebrating unity, talent, and the promising future of chess across the continent.
The Vice President of the African Chess Confederation, Nadezhda Marochkin, congratulated the winners and participants, praising their skill, discipline, and sportsmanship.
She also thanked the Nigerian government and chess federation for their exceptional support in hosting the landmark tournament.
