The 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad concluded in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, with Team Nigeria's men's and women's teams finishing outside the top 80 in their respective sections. The men's team finished 118th overall, collecting 10 match points from five wins and six defeats, while the women's team finished 85th with 11 match points from four wins, three draws, and four defeats. The Olympiad featured 11 rounds in both the Open and Women's competitions, which ran from September 16 to 27.
Nigeria's Open team had a strong start, winning their first two matches, but experienced an inconsistent middle phase, including a 4-0 defeat to Vietnam in Round 6. They recovered with important victories, such as a 3½-½ win over Tunisia in Round 9. However, Nigeria lost 4-0 to North Macedonia in Round 10 and finished with a 2½-1½ defeat to Hong Kong in the final round. Bomo Lovet Kigigha secured Nigeria's only win in the final round.
The Nigerian men's team had individual performers, with Abdulrahman Akintoye and Odey Goodness Ekunke finishing on 5½ points, while Odion Aikhoje scored 4½ and Bomo Kigigha 3½. In the women's section, Deborah Quickpen finished with 5½ points, Omoruyi with 6½, Bridget Michael with 5½, while Michelle Nwankwo scored 4½. The women's team had a strong late surge, defeating Guatemala 3-1 in Round 10.
Africa was represented by a significant number of federations in Samarkand, but no team from the continent finished in the medal positions. In the Open section, Algeria had the best African finish in 80th place, followed by Angola in 81st and South Africa in 82nd. Nigeria finished 118th, among other African teams.
In the women's section, Egypt led the African teams in 53rd place, followed by Angola in 69th and Algeria in 72nd. Nigeria finished 85th, ahead of Morocco in 92nd and South Africa in 96th. Other African teams also competed in the women's section, with various finishes.
The top standings saw Uzbekistan successfully defend its Open title, finishing first with 20 match points after winning 10 of its 11 matches. China emerged champions in the women's competition, going unbeaten with nine wins and two draws for 20 match points. India took silver in the Open section, while Kazakhstan finished second in the women's competition.
The 46th Olympiad concluded with Uzbekistan ruling the Open section and China dominating the women's event. African teams departed Samarkand with valuable international experience as the continent continues its pursuit of greater depth and stronger results on the world stage.
Key points
- Nigeria's men's and women's chess teams finished 118th and 85th, respectively, at the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan.
- Uzbekistan retained the men's crown, while China ruled the women's event at the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad.
- African teams participated in the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad, but none finished in the medal positions.
