Tennyson Olisa, a 22-year-old Nigerian, made history by winning the inaugural Africa Super Zonal Chess Championship in Lagos. He finished with 7½ points from nine rounds.
Olisa dominated a strong field with precision and maturity beyond his years, earning a shot at qualifying for the 2025 FIDE World Cup. “This means the world to me,” said Olisa.
Winning this title on home soil is something Olisa will never forget. He is proud to represent Nigeria and Africa at the next level. Olisa’s victory marks a new chapter for zonal chess.
Algeria’s Lina Nassr took the women’s honors on tiebreak after finishing joint second with 6½ points alongside Nigeria’s Abdulrahman Akintoye. Olisa was the top player across all categories.
The African Chess Confederation hosted the championship with support from the Nigerian government and sporting authorities. The Vice President congratulated winners and participants.
“We are immensely proud of every player who took part in this inaugural event,” said Nadezhda Marochkin. Their commitment, passion, and integrity embody the spirit of African chess.
The government of Nigeria, the Nigeria Sports Commission, and the Nigeria Chess Federation received gratitude for their exceptional support and hospitality. Olisa’s win is a celebration of unity and talent.
Olisa will face the bronze medalist from the African Individual Chess Championship for a place in the global tournament. He has also earned a place in the FIDE Grand Swiss.
The championship marks a promising future for zonal chess across Africa. Olisa’s achievement is a testament to his skill and dedication. He looks forward to representing Nigeria and Africa.
Olisa’s victory is expected to inspire a new generation of chess players in Nigeria and across Africa. His success demonstrates that with hard work and determination, African players can compete at the highest level. As a role model, Olisa’s achievement will likely have a lasting impact on the chess community.
As Olisa prepares for his next challenge, the chess community is eagerly anticipating his performance in the upcoming tournaments. His win has brought pride to Nigeria and Africa, and he is set to continue making his mark in the chess world. With his talent and dedication, Olisa is poised to achieve even greater success in the future