Nigeria’s Odafe Benedict Efemuai captured the U2300 Open title at the FIDE World Amateur Blitz Chess Championship in Abuja, while India’s contingent impressed with commanding victories in the U1700 Open and U2000 Open categories.
The Blitz Championship, staged from August 6 to 7, the second half of the FIDE World Amateur Rapid & Blitz Chess Championships, was jointly organised by FIDE and the Nigeria Chess Federation. Played under a 3+2 time control across 11 Swiss-system rounds, the event awarded the winners in six categories.
Efemuai leads Nigerian charge
Efemuai delivered one of the standout performances of the tournament, scoring 8 points from 11 rounds to finish third overall. Under the tournament regulations, which award medals strictly within registered categories, he was crowned U2300 Open Champion, securing gold and the top prize.
His score placed him behind only India’s AIM Shejal Sahil Sanjay (9 points, overall champion, pictured below) and CM Pankaj Sharma (8½ points, runner-up). Nigeria’s strength was further highlighted as its players occupied positions three through ten in the final standings.
Category Champions
Closing ceremony highlights
The championships concluded with a vibrant ceremony attended by dignitaries including Alhaji Shehu Dikko (Chairman, National Sports Commission), Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo (President, Nigeria Chess Federation), and Sergei Indeikin (FIDE Delegate).
Chief Arbiter Olalekan Adeyemi, FIDE Vice President, presented the official event report, after which champions across categories received their medals.
A heartfelt Vote of Thanks by Prince Adeyinka Adewole, Vice President of the Nigeria Chess Federation, closed the event, celebrating five days of competitive chess and international camaraderie.
Photos: Nigeria Chess Federation
Official website: https://nigeriachessfederation.com/wacc2026/