Support Grows As Nigeria Chess Star, Onakoya Nears 58-Hour GWR Mark

As Nigeria’s chess sensation, Tunde Onakoya, edges closer to breaking the 58-hour Guinness World Record mark, an overwhelming wave of support from Nigerians and abroad have surged behind him.

Osun Defender reports that Onakoya is engaging in a chess marathon at New York’s Times Square, aiming to play for 58 hours without a single defeat.

At the time of reporting, Onakoya has surpassed the 45-hour mark without a single defeat as he persists in his pursuit to exceed the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon.

The current record, set by Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad of Norway on November 11, 2018, stands at 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 37 seconds.

Onakoya continues to garner backing from Nigerians domestically and internationally, with notable public figures and celebrities attending the venue to show their support.

Among the supporters rallying behind chess master Tunde Onakoya are Afrobeats sensation Davido, Nigerian vocalist Adekunle Gold, Nigeria’s Consul-General in New York City Ambassador Peter Egopija, as well as Omoyele Sowore, alongside several others.

The ongoing event at New York City’s renowned Times Square commenced at 10 am on Wednesday, April 17, and is slated to conclude at 8 pm on April 19.

Former vice-president, Atiku Abubakar has joined millions of Nigerians in home and abroad to support renowned chess master, Tunde Onakoya.

In a tweet via his X handle on Thursday, Atiku backed Onakoya to break new ground.

He wrote: “Dear @Tunde_OD, I join millions of Nigerians at home and abroad in wishing you the best in your quest to break the Guinness World Record for the Longest Chess Marathon. Your can-do spirit thus far has been truly inspirational. I am rooting for you to break new ground. -AA.”

Also, on his part, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu backed Onakoya to break the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon.

He wrote on X, “Every grand victory starts with a single, bold move akin to a daring gambit—a bold move to redefine possibilities.

“@Tunde_OD; Lagos is rooting for you as you attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon at Times Square in the heart of New York.

“Taking the story of the phenomenal work you started in Lagos with young children to a global stage is a powerful testament to how greatness can emerge from anywhere.”

Afrobeats singer, David Adeleke, also known as Davido, has showed up at New York’s Times Square, to support Onakoya.

In a video making the rounds on social media, Davido and Onakoya could be seen embracing each other while the crowd gathered at the venue cheered on seeing the Afrobeats star come out to support a compatriot.