Nigeria to host FIDE Zone 4.2 Chess Championship
The Nigeria Chess Federation has announced that it will host the International Chess Federation Zone 4.2 championship for the first time in Lagos this year, from Match 31 to April 9.
The FIDE Zone 4.2 Chess Championship will bring together 12 West African nations in a fierce showdown for regional supremacy at the Citiheight Luxury Hotel in Ikeja.
Nigeria’s Abdulraheem Akintoye is the defending champion of the tournament after he produced a splendid performance and supremacy at the 2024 edition held in Monrovia, Liberia.
According to the vice president of the Nigeria Chess Federation, Adeyinka Adewole, Nigeria will be joined by other countries like Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Togo, Senegal, Cape Verde, Gambia, Ivory Coast, Mali and Burkina Faso.
“Over the past four years, Nigeria has proudly represented our nation in this prestigious tournament, competing in Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, Togo, and Liberia.
“This landmark event not only signifies our commitment to the growth of chess in West Africa but also coincides with the federation’s 50th anniversary. Hosting this championship is a fitting tribute to five decades of unwavering dedication to chess development in our country,” he said.
“Our preparations are well underway, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the National Sports Commission, FIDE- The World Chess Body, the African Chess Confederation and many sponsors to be unveiled during the event, who have been instrumental in making this event possible.”
Participating nations are expected to start arriving in Nigeria on March 31, with the official games set to kick off on April 1.
The tournament will run until April 9th, after which the excitement continues as Lagos will also host the Super Zonal Championship from April 10 to 16.
Adewole who also doubles as the Chairman of the main organising committee added that the elite competition will showcase champions from the 2024 and 2025 zonal events across Africa, culminating in the determination of the “Champion of Champions.
“The winner will secure a coveted spot in the FIDE Chess World Cup later this year, alongside an opportunity to qualify for the Grand World Swiss Championship.”
