Team Nigeria achieved contrasting results in Round 9 of the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The men’s team defeated Tunisia 3½–½, while the women were held to a 2–2 draw by Zambia. These results leave both Nigerian teams with nine match points each after nine rounds of the 11-round competition. The teams are set for further action in Round 10 on Saturday. Nigeria entered the Olympiad as the 84th seed with an average rating of 2,282 but has produced competitive performances.
The men’s team continued its impressive run with another commanding victory, following their 3½–½ triumph over Guyana in Round 8. FM Bomo Lovet Kigigha drew with Tunisia’s Mohamed Khalil Abdallah on Board One. FM Abdulrahman Akintoye Abdulraheem secured Nigeria’s first full point by defeating Yacine Barbaria on Board Two. His consistent performance has contributed 5½ points from his nine games. The team’s progress in the tournament has been remarkable given their initial seeding.
International Master Odion Aikhoje extended Nigeria’s advantage with a victory over Zoubaier Amdouni. Odey Goodness Ekunke completed the 3½–½ scoreline by beating Hamed Ben Ghanem. This win represents Nigeria’s second successive emphatic victory, further strengthening the team’s position in the closing stages. The team’s performance has been a highlight of the Olympiad, showcasing their skill and strategy.
The Nigerian women’s team, made up of WFM Deborah Ebimobo-ere Quickpen, Iyefu Joy Onoja, WFM Michelle Chiamaka Nwankwo, Sandra Osarugue Omoruyi, and WIM Bridget Michael, was involved in a closely contested all-African encounter against Zambia. The match ended 2–2, with neither side able to establish an advantage. This draw follows their 3½–½ victory over Lesotho in Round 8.
Zambia also recorded a convincing 3½–½ win over Namibia in their previous round. The draw with Nigeria means both teams remain evenly matched in the competition. The women’s team will look to capitalize on their momentum in the remaining rounds. Their performance has been commendable, given the competitive nature of the tournament.
With two rounds remaining, both Nigerian teams will aim to finish their campaigns on a strong note. The men’s team will face North Macedonia in Round 10 on Saturday at 3 pm local time in Samarkand. The women’s team will take on Guatemala in their Round 10 encounter. These matches provide another opportunity for Nigeria to increase its match-point tally before the final round on Sunday.
The Round 10 encounters will be crucial in determining the final standings of the teams. Nigeria’s men and women have shown resilience and skill throughout the tournament. Their performance has been a testament to their preparation and teamwork. The teams will look to conclude their participation on a high note.
Key points
- Nigeria’s men’s team defeated Tunisia 3½–½, while the women’s team drew 2–2 with Zambia in Round 9.
- The men’s team will face North Macedonia, and the women’s team will take on Guatemala in Round 10.
- Nigeria entered the Olympiad as the 84th seed but has produced a series of competitive performances.
