Sports

N.9m For Grab As Club Moves To Resuscitate Chess Game In Edo

Published

3 years ago

August 28, 2023

The Chess Culture Club has splashed N900,000 on the 22 winners of the different categories of events at the second Benin City Quarterly Chess Tournament.

At the final of the tournament held at the Gymnasium Hall of Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium Complex, the star prize of N120,000 went to Ernest Afam, for emerging the overall winner of the competition.

A FIDE Master in chess, David Erhabor emerged the winner of the veteran category and earned N40,000; the money he donated to a four year-old Ivanka Jesse-Onoyeyan, the youngest player in the tournament, while others prizes ranged from N10,000 to 75,000.

Besides the star and veteran prizes, others were first, second and third in Under-10 boys and girls categories; Under-14 boys and girls; as well as women’s categories.

In his remark, Mr Ehidiamhen Akhiwu, the proprietor of the club said the tournament was aimed at growing the game of chess in the state and Nigeria.

“We all know the benefits of chess to the development of the totality of a human being; that is why we are trying to grow chess all over the world.

“Chess will benefit our children and that is why we want to catch them young. We want to address the younger generation of chess players.

“Of course, chess is good for everyone whether young or old, but when you catch them young, it becomes a nursery for us to nurse better citizens because chess teaches simple logic, which is necessary which is what is deficient in our society today.

“We believe that when we teach our children chess; apart from the fact that it embellishes their IQ, it also teaches them how to be civil and better citizens of our country.

“So everything they do will be guided by logical reasoning. That is why we think Chess is very good and in the developed world today, they put a priority tag on chess and teach it in school,” said Akhiwu.

Also speaking, Mr Stanley Ailuelohia, a partner and one of the players said he was excited young players were beginning to show interest in the game.

“If the minds of the young minds are developed, Ailuelohia said”, a generation of strategic thinking would be grown.

He expressed confidence that the future editions would be bigger and better and serve as an opportunity for sponsors to project their brands.

Speaking in the same vein, veteran David Erhabor described chess as gymnasium of the mind, calling on corporate bodies to always sponsor chess competitions for the younger generation to exercise their intellect.

Sports

EPL: Rooney Names Team To Win Title

Published

11 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

Former Manchester United striker, Wayne Rooney, has said Arsenal will go on to win the Premier League title, after Manchester City dropped points against Everton.

City were held to a 3-3 draw at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday night.

The result means Pep Guardiola’s men are now five points behind Arsenal, but they have one game in hand.

Rooney believes the Gunners will beat West Ham this weekend and go on to be champions.

He said on BBC Sport: “No, I’m concerned for West Ham. I just think Arsenal are efficient and professional.

“I just think they will win every game. So obviously, with the result tonight, that means they will win the league.”

Sports

UCL, EPL: Petr Cech Advises Chelsea On How To Win Trophies

Published

2 days ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

Chelsea legend, Petr Cech, has advised his old club on how to win the UEFA Champions League or the English Premier League.

Chelsea are already out of the Premier League title race this season, and they are at risk of missing out on UEFA Champions League qualification for next season because they are currently not in the ninth position on the Premier League table.

Speaking to The Athletic about Chelsea, Cech said that the Blues need to change their philosophy of signing only young players if they want to win the Premier League or Champions League.

According to the former goalkeeper, the Premier League west London club needs to add experienced players to mentor the young players in the squad.

“You have to look at what you want to achieve. You can have young, talented players, and you can win, but it’s very rare that you manage to do that,” he said.

“If you want to win every season and compete every season, that does not go together.

“You have to change your philosophy. Certain things don’t go together because, in order to win a Champions League or a Premier League… these are really tough competitions, and you have to be consistent.

“You need to have a strong core of the team. And then you can bring young, talented players who will grow faster and then will be held by the experienced players to help navigate them through difficult times when they come.”

Currently, Chelsea have just one player, Tosin Adarabioyo, who is over 28 this season, and the defender has not been playing regularly.

Sports

Enabulele Lauds Okpebholo’s Bold Reforms As Edo Sports Witnesses Revival

Published

6 days ago

April 30, 2026

Editor

The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for what he described as a bold and transformative approach to sports development.

Speaking on efforts to reposition sports in the state, Enabulele noted that with Okpebholo’s visionary leadership, the sector has witnessed renewed growth.

In a statement issued by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, the Edo Sports Commission boss attributed the progress to the governor’s strategic policies and sustained commitment to youth development, which he said have laid the foundation for a more structured and results-driven system.

“His Excellency has demonstrated clear vision and genuine commitment to sports development. The level of support we are receiving has significantly repositioned Edo as a competitive force in national sporting events,” he said.

He explained that targeted investments in grassroots development are already producing results, with a growing number of young talents being identified and nurtured across multiple disciplines.

“We are deliberately building from the grassroots. A large percentage of our athletes today are homegrown, which speaks to the sustainability of our development model,” Enabulele added.

The Commission, he noted, is also shifting away from an over-reliance on football to a broader multi-sport focus.

Edo State, he said, is now recording improved performances in athletics, combat sports, and other emerging areas.

“Our goal is to strengthen all sports. The results are beginning to show across different disciplines, and this is only the start,” he said.

Enabulele further pointed to ongoing improvements in sports infrastructure and athlete welfare as critical factors in sustaining performance and encouraging wider participation among young people.

“We are building a system that will endure. With the continued support of the governor, Edo is on course to becoming a dominant force in sports at both national and international levels,” he stated.

He expressed confidence that the current momentum would translate into greater achievements for Edo athletes, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to excellence, discipline, and long-term development.