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By John Ogunsemore
The United States Mission in Nigeria has congratulated Nigerian chess master and founder of Chess in Slums, Tunde Onakoya on setting a new 64-hour chess marathon world record.
This is contained in a statement shared on the mission’s X page on Wednesday.
Onakoya and Puerto Rican chess partner, Shawn Martinez broke the previous record of 61 hours, 3 minutes, and 34 seconds set by Norwegian players Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad in June 2024.
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Onakoya and Martinez’s record attempt started on April 17 and ended on April 20 in New York’s Times Square, initially aiming for a 70-hour session.
The US Mission said, “64 hours! Yet another example of Nigeria’s resilient spirit.
“Big congratulations to @Tunde_OD who partnered with American chess master @CoachShawnMar to set a new world record for the longest chess marathon, right at the heart of Times Square!
“Surrounded by kids from Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde’s incredible feat is more than a game — it sends a powerful message of hope to children who dream of a brighter future through education.”a
