Goodness Ekunke, 14, Wins FIDE World Amateur Rapid Chess Championship in Abuja

Fourteen‑year‑old Nigerian FM Goodness Ekunke captured the inaugural FIDE World Amateur Rapid Chess Championship 2026 in Abuja, scoring 9 points out of 11. He finished ahead of compatriots FM Eugene Unwana and FM Bomo Kigigha, who tied on 8½ points for second and third place. The tournament, organized by FIDE and the Nigeria Chess Federation, featured 11 rounds with a 15‑minute clock plus a 10‑second increment.

Ekunke, born in Matogun, Ogun State and nicknamed “Boss Baby,” began playing chess at age six and became a junior U‑14 champion at eight under the mentorship of Bomo Kigigha. His victory secures a spot on Nigeria’s senior team for the World Chess Olympiad in Samarkand in September. The event also highlighted a strong performance by 17‑year‑old Joseph Sambo, who finished fourth after notable wins over Ekunke and other competitors.