Checkmate for Change: Nigeria Cheers on Tunde Onakoya’s Marathon Move!
Every eye in Nigeria is fixed on Times Square right now, as our own chess champion, Tunde Onakoya, takes on a bold new challenge. With pride swelling in every heart, we watch and pray alongside him because heroes like Tunde remind us how far passion and purpose can take a person.
On April 17, 2025, Tunde Onakoya stepped up to the chessboard in New York City’s bustling Times Square. This is his second bid to claim the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon. Last year, he and U.S. master Shawn Martinez played for 60 hours straight, beating the old 56‑hour mark only to see it scooped up two months later by opponents who stretched their game to 61 hours. Now, Tunde and Shawn aim even higher: a relentless 70‑hour duel that will run until April 20, 2025.
But this marathon isn’t just about time and titles. Tunde’s real goal is to shine a light on a dream that’s very close to his heart: building the largest free school for homeless children in Nigeria. Through his foundation, Chess in Slums Africa, he’s already given hope and opportunity to countless youngsters. Now, by playing these endless rounds in one of the world’s busiest squares, he hopes to rally global support and funding for a new generation of learners back home.
From Lagos to Kaduna, from the Niger Delta to the North, Nigerians everywhere are sending their encouragement. We’re proud of Tunde’s courage and inspired by his vision. We sincerely pray for his strength and stamina over these demanding three days and we pray for the many children who will one day walk through the classrooms his efforts will build.
In a country brimming with talent and drive, stories like Tunde’s show us what’s possible when we combine skill with service. Nigeria needs more people who take their gifts beyond personal success to uplift communities, educate children, and spark change. As we cheer for him in Times Square, let’s also look around: perhaps the next Tunde Onakoya is sitting right beside you, waiting for the chance to make a bold move of their own.
Every move on the board brings Tunde closer to his dream and to writing a new chapter of hope for Nigeria. Let’s stay with him, heart and soul, until that final checkmate.