Thrilling moments await chess lovers as Nigeria hosts West Africa championships
By Oluwaseyi Oduneye-Ogunwomoju
Chess players and lovers have been promised thrilling moments as Nigeria hosts the Zone 4.2 West Africa Chess Championships from March 31 to April 9.
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Saturday, Mr Babatunde Ogunsiku, the championships’ Media Director, Local Organising Committee (LOC), said plans were in top gear for a memorable competition.
Ogunsiku said the championships would be the 3rd edition for West Africa, being Zone 4.2 area.
“The LOC is working around the clock to ensure that everything works out perfectly to leave a lasting image in the minds of both participants and leaders of the various federations that will be in Nigeria.
“Before, West Africa used to be Zone 4.4 with more countries. However , in 2023, the system changed, and instead of having four zones in Africa, we now have five.
“Zone 4.1 is Northern Africa, Zone 4.2 is Western Africa, Zone 4.3 is Central Africa, Zone 4.4 is Eastern Africa, and Zone 4.5 is Southern Africa.
He added that letters had been sent to the 11 West African countries making up the zone.
“They have till March 15 to send in their registration. After which, late registration will only be accepted on the LOC’s prerogative,” he said.
Ogunsiku added that this would, however, be the first time Nigeria would be hosting Zone 4.2.
“We’ve hosted the whole of Africa twice – once in Abuja in 2003 and in Lagos in 2022.
“Hosting this event provides Nigerian chess players with the opportunity to spend less in participating in a chess event, considering that it is held in different countries yearly.
“It is a huge opportunity that presents itself once a year and one that thousands of people will most likely be following all around Africa and beyond,” he said.
“The competition will be a 9-round Classical Chess Tournament with a time control of 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment per move for the first 40 moves and 30 minutes + 30 seconds to finish each game (per player).
“Right now, there is a standard prize pool of 3,000 dollars. However, the team is working on reeling in sponsors to ensure an increment in the prizes.
“There are hopes that this will happen before the end of registration,” he said.
NAN reports the championships will be held at CitiHeights Hotel, Lagos, from March 31 to April 9. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Moses Solanke
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