Millions of Nigerians at home and abroad are backing renowned chess master, Tunde Onakoya, as he embarks on a mission to surpass the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon at Times Square in New York.
Onakoya had on Wednesday announced the commencement of the marathon via his X account with the caption, “Game time.”
He also wrote, “We haven’t even started yet and Nigerians are already trooping into camp out with me.”
Atiku Abubakar, the former vice president of Nigeria, wrote on his X page, “Dear @Tunde_OD, I join millions of Nigerians at home and abroad in wishing you the best in your quest to break the Guinness World Record for the Longest Chess Marathon. Your can-do spirit thus far has been truly inspirational. I am rooting for you to break new ground. -AA.”
Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima stated, “We are not only proud of the ambition of the chess maverick, Tunde Onakoya (@Tunde_OD), in his attempt to break the Guinness World Record for playing chess for 58 hours without losing a game, but also of his humanitarian interventions and his representation of Nigeria on the global stage through this game of brilliant minds.
“Mr. Onakoya is a symbol of excellence and resilience that distinguish Nigerians both at home and abroad, and we stand with him in spirit as he captivates the world from Times Square, New York City. Go, make history, and inscribe our name in gold.
Also, Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu backed Onakoya to break the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon.
He wrote on X, “Every grand victory starts with a single, bold move akin to a daring gambit—a bold move to redefine possibilities.
“@Tunde_OD; Lagos is rooting for you as you attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon at Times Square in the heart of New York.
“Taking the story of the phenomenal work you started in Lagos with young children to a global stage is a powerful testament to how greatness can emerge from anywhere.”
United States Diplomatic Mission Nigeria commented, “Best wishes to @Tunde_OD on his knightly mission to break the world record for the longest chess marathon without losing a game! We’re thrilled to cheer him on as he makes history in the heart of Times Square and brings hope to children who dream of a brighter future through education.
“Go Tunde! #ChessMarathonforChange.
The current Guinness World Record, set by Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad of Norway on November 11, 2018, stands at 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 37 seconds.
