Organisers of the Nigeria Chess Federation say over 2,000 students from 500 schools nationwide will take part in the 2025 Chess Championship from June 26–28.
Vice President of the Federation, Adeyinka Adewale, confirmed this during a press conference held on Friday in Lagos.
He said the event aims to promote chess development in Nigeria and will take place at the EcoBank Pan Afri can Centre, Victoria Island. “The EcoBank National School Team Chess Championship will bring together top young players from primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions.
“We are expecting over 500 schools and more than 2,000 students. It is a great platform to discover hidden talents across the country. Many talented children haven’t had opportunities to compete before. This tournament will help us identify and support them properly.
“This is a great chance for students to showcase their skills and face strong competition from across the country. I expect a very exciting tournament, filled with passionate young players ready to prove their chess abilities,” Adewale said.
He stressed the importance of chess in nurturing critical thinking and problem-solving skills among Nigerian youth. “We are proud to support this event, which plays a role in developing young talent in Nigeria,” he said.
He described the upcoming competition as a thrilling spectacle that will unite schools across the nation. “This tournament reflects strong collaboration between the Nigeria Chess Federation, MTN Communications, and EcoBank.
“We hope that everyone has a beautiful experience and that the tournament leaves a lasting impact,” Adewale stated.
He explained that such tournaments indirectly provide employment, recruiting individuals to teach chess in schools.
“If a national policy mandates chess in schools, it would lead to the hiring of many qualified instructors,” he noted.
According to him, excitement is building among students, educators, and chess enthusiasts as the championship draws near.
Adebukola Ademuyi, Head of Education Field and Social Services at Eco Bank, reaffirmed their commitment to education and youth.
She said, “As a truly pan-African bank, we are proud to again partner with the Chess Federation for this important championship.
“This partnership supports our broader human capital strategy and aligns with our corporate social responsibility goals.
“We prioritise initiatives that contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s intellectual and economic development,” Ademuyi said.
She emphasised that chess develops vital cognitive skills and supports youth empowerment across communities. “We are delighted to be part of this event and its positive impact on young people nationwide,” she said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that EcoBank National School Team Chess Championship is expected to be a major milestone in Nigeria’s sporting and educational calendar.
With EcoBank’s backing, the event promises to inspire, challenge, and empower a new generation of chess players. A significant prize pool will be awarded, encouraging players to give their best performances throughout the tournament.
NAN also reports that the tournament will feature three categories: primary, secondary, and tertiary. Each category will be divided into three team groups, with the finals taking place on Saturday, June 28.