Tunde Onakoya Honors Ademola Lookman with Custom Chessboard Following Stellar La Liga Performance
Tunde Onakoya Honors Ademola Lookman with Custom Chessboard After Stellar La Liga Performance
Madrid, Spain – In a heartwarming display of camaraderie between sports, Guinness World Record holder Tunde Onakoya presented a custom chessboard to Atlético Madrid forward Ademola Lookman following the striker’s impressive performance in La Liga. Lookman, who netted a goal in Atlético’s thrilling 4-2 victory over Espanyol at the Wanda Metropolitano on Saturday, has been making waves in Spanish football this season.
Onakoya, a celebrated Nigerian chess master and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, shared the moment on social media platform X, showcasing the sleek black chessboard crafted in collaboration with NEOCHESS. The board features a personalized inscription from Onakoya, celebrating Lookman’s journey and achievements in the sport.
“One chessboard delivered to Africa’s best, Ademola Lookman. He invited me to watch the game and scored a brilliant header. I was beaming with pride. Naija boys are up to the stars,” Onakoya wrote, capturing the essence of their meeting.
The presentation took place during Onakoya’s recent visit to Madrid, which also included a pitchside appearance at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home of Real Madrid. Earlier, he engaged his followers by asking which football legend in the Spanish capital should receive one of his custom boards, further highlighting his passion for blending sports and strategy.
At just 31 years old, Onakoya holds the Guinness World Record for the longest marathon chess game and has dedicated his life to empowering children and young people from underserved communities through chess. His initiative, Chess in Slums Africa, uses the game as a tool for education and personal development.
The gesture towards Lookman not only celebrates the footballer’s achievements but also underscores Onakoya’s broader mission of promoting excellence and opportunity within the African community on a global stage. As Lookman continues to shine in La Liga, the chessboard serves as a symbol of support and encouragement from one Nigerian star to another.
This inspiring moment is a reminder of the power of sports to connect individuals and cultures, fostering a spirit of unity and excellence.