Tunde Onakoya, the founder of Chess-in-Slums, received a warm welcome back to Nigeria on Wednesday after achieving the record for the longest-ever chess marathon, clocking in at an impressive 60 hours.
At the airport, he was greeted with heartfelt singing and dancing, celebrating his remarkable accomplishment.
Onakoya surpassed the previous record set by Norwegian players, Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad, who played for 56 hours and 9 minutes in 2018.
Starting his attempt on April 17 at Times Square in New York, United States, the Nigerian Chess Master aimed to set a new record of 58 hours for a chess marathon.
Beyond setting a new record, Onakoya’s marathon served a noble cause. He aimed to raise funds and awareness for providing educational opportunities to underprivileged children across Africa.