By John Ogunsemore
The United States Mission in Nigeria has congratulated Nigerian chess master and founder of Chess in Slums, Tunde Onakoya on setting a new 64-hour chess marathon world record.
This is contained in a statement shared on the mission’s X page on Wednesday.
Onakoya and Puerto Rican chess partner, Shawn Martinez broke the previous record of 61 hours, 3 minutes, and 34 seconds set by Norwegian players Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad in June 2024.
Onakoya and Martinez’s record attempt started on April 17 and ended on April 20 in New York’s Times Square, initially aiming for a 70-hour session.
The US Mission said, “64 hours! Yet another example of Nigeria’s resilient spirit.
“Big congratulations to @Tunde_OD who partnered with American chess master @CoachShawnMar to set a new world record for the longest chess marathon, right at the heart of Times Square!
“Surrounded by kids from Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde’s incredible feat is more than a game — it sends a powerful message of hope to children who dream of a brighter future through education.”a