Nigerians across the globe have rallied in support of renowned chess master, Tunde Onakoya, as he embarks on a mission to break the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon.
Onakoya, announcing the commencement of the marathon through his social media account, expressed his readiness with the caption, “Game time,” while noting the overwhelming support from fellow Nigerians joining him for the challenge.
The event, taking place at New York City’s Times Square, kicked off at 10 am on Wednesday, April 17, and is slated to conclude at 8 pm on April 19. Onakoya’s objective is to engage in an intense chess marathon, aiming to play for an impressive 58 hours without suffering a single defeat.
Among those lending their support to Onakoya is Nigerian singer Adekunle Kosoko, popularly known as Adekunle Gold, adding to the wave of encouragement from the Nigerian community.
The current Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon, held by Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad of Norway, stands at 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 37 seconds. Onakoya’s endeavor represents a bold attempt to surpass this milestone and etch his name in the annals of chess history.