Bayelsa Chess Prodigy Goodness Ekunke’s Historic Win: Coach Appeals for Government Support to Pursue Grandmaster Title
Bayelsa’s Chess Prodigy Seeks Support for Grandmaster Dream After Historic Win
Yenagoa, Nigeria – In a remarkable display of talent and determination, 14-year-old Goodness Ekunke has made history by becoming the first Nigerian to win the World Rapid Amateur Chess Championship held in Abuja. His coach, FIDE Master Kigigha Bomo, is now calling on the government for financial support to help Ekunke pursue his dream of achieving the prestigious Grandmaster title.
Ekunke’s victory was not just a personal triumph; it showcased his exceptional composure and tactical brilliance against competitors from around the globe. Bomo, who has been mentoring Ekunke for nearly seven years, expressed immense pride in his pupil’s achievement, attributing it to years of hard work and sacrifice.
“This victory means a lot to me because we’ve worked very, very hard to achieve this,” Bomo said. “There have been nights when we couldn’t sleep because we had to study. Our training sessions often required us to sacrifice sleep for the sake of chess and academics.”
The coach also credited Tete Models International School and its proprietress, Benita Timi, for their invaluable support. Timi stepped in to cover Ekunke’s school fees, allowing Bomo to focus on the young chess player’s development without the added financial burden.
“The impact the school had on him cannot be overemphasized,” Bomo noted. “She said, ‘Let the school take over that part of school fees, so you don’t have to worry. Just concentrate on providing other things for him.’”
As Ekunke prepares to represent Nigeria at the upcoming World Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan next month, Bomo highlighted the need for further financial backing. Competing in prestigious events like the World Juniors, World Cadets, and African Championships is crucial for Ekunke to accumulate the necessary norms for the Grandmaster title—an achievement that would make him only the sixth Sub-Saharan African to earn this honor.
“These competitions are very expensive,” Bomo explained. “It’s not something an individual like myself can afford for this young man. But with government support, it’s very much achievable.”
Bomo emphasized the importance of this support, not just for Ekunke but for putting Bayelsa on the global chess map. “We need that push to bring the name of our dear state into the spotlight,” he said.
Ekunke’s journey began over nine years ago in Yenagoa, where he has since garnered multiple accolades, including gold and silver medals at the National Sports Festival and National Youth Games, as well as gold medals at the Niger Delta Sports Festival. Earlier this year, he earned a spot on Nigeria’s senior national team after a competitive selection tournament.
As the young chess sensation gears up for the World Chess Olympiad alongside fellow Bayelsan Ebimobo-Ere Deborah, the call for support resonates louder than ever. With the right backing, Goodness Ekunke could not only achieve his Grandmaster dream but also inspire a new generation of chess players in Nigeria.