Platform Schools Triumphs at 2026 Ecobank National Schools Team Chess Championship, Showcasing Nigeria’s Rising Chess Talent

Platform Schools Triumphs at 2026 Ecobank National Schools Team Chess Championship

Ipaja, Lagos – In a remarkable display of strategic prowess, Platform Schools has emerged victorious at the 2026 Ecobank National Schools Team Chess Championship, clinching the title in the secondary school category with an impressive score of 16 points. The school walked away with a prize of N2.5 million, outshining over 1,500 students from approximately 300 schools across the nation.

Dayspring School secured the second position, earning N2 million, while King’s College Lagos took home N1.5 million for their third-place finish. The competition also showcased talent from the primary school category, where Chess in Slums Africa, representing the Makoko community, captured the top honours, earning accolades for nurturing talent from an underserved background.

Amir Obe, a student from Platform Schools, attributed their success to months of rigorous training. “We trained for months, studying different strategies and playing practice games daily. Winning this competition shows that hard work truly pays off,” he stated, reflecting the dedication of his team.

The founder of Platform Schools, Mr. Bola Obe, expressed pride in the victory, emphasizing the school’s commitment to intellectual development. “At Platform Schools, we prioritize critical thinking and problem-solving. Chess is one of the tools we use to prepare our students for global relevance. This victory reflects our commitment to nurturing well-rounded students who can compete globally. Chess is not just a game; it builds critical thinking, patience, and problem-solving skills,” he remarked.

Highlighting the broader implications of the championship, Mr. Adeyinka Adewole, Vice-President of the Nigeria Chess Federation, noted the country’s steady progress towards producing its first Grandmaster. “To attain a Grandmaster title, a player must have a minimum rating of 2,500. Last year, Nigeria’s highest rating was 2,290, but as we speak, it has risen to 2,359. This shows that we are getting closer. If we maintain this trajectory, we will soon have multiple players competing at the highest levels globally,” he explained.

The championship, organized in partnership with Ecobank, aims to promote Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) education through chess, fostering strategic thinking among young Nigerians. As the event concluded, it was clear that the future of chess in Nigeria is bright, with schools like Platform Schools leading the way in nurturing the next generation of thinkers and leaders.