Once again, another Nigerian is stepping up to make history in the Guinness World Records. This time, it’s renowned chess player Tunde Onakoya.
He’s embarked on a remarkable journey to break the record for the longest chess marathon.
Tunde Onakoya kicked off the event with a simple declaration on his X (formerly Twitter) account: “Game time.”
Game time 🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/N7VkEkD37g
— Tunde Onakoya (@Tunde_OD) April 17, 2024
This extraordinary feat is taking place right in the heart of New York City’s Times Square.
The marathon began at 10 am on Wednesday, April 17, 204 and is set to conclude at 8 p.m. on April 19.
Onakoya’s ambitious goal is to play non-stop for an incredible 58 hours without a single defeat.
But Onakoya’s mission goes beyond setting a world record. Alongside his marathon endeavor, he aims to raise $1 million to support chess education for children all around the globe.
Support From Fellow Nigerians
What’s even more inspiring is that Onakoya has received support from fellow Nigerians including Lagos state Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu, Former Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo among others rallying behind him as he strives to make history and make a difference.
Dear Tunde,
Best of luck in Times Square as you attempt to set the Guinness World Record for the Longest Chess Marathon! Your resilience and spirit inspire us all. Remember your own powerful words: “It is possible to do great things from a small place.”
Let the dynamic energy… pic.twitter.com/ldB6GuZ1F2
— Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (@ProfOsinbajo) April 17, 2024
Dear @Tunde_OD ,
I join millions of Nigerians at home and abroad in wishing you the best in your quest to break the Guinness World Record for the Longest Chess Marathon. Your can-do spirit thus far has been truly inspirational. I am rooting for you to break new ground. -AA https://t.co/bdoDii2Vfe
— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) April 18, 2024
Every grand victory starts with a single, bold move akin to a daring gambit—a bold move to redefine possibilities.@Tunde_OD ; Lagos is rooting for you as you attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon at Times Square in the heart of New York.… pic.twitter.com/i0Inzv6Woz
— Babajide Sanwo-Olu (@jidesanwoolu) April 17, 2024
We are not only proud of the ambition of the chess maverick, Tunde Onakoya (@Tunde_OD), in his attempt to break the Guinness World Record for playing chess for 58 hours without losing a game, but also of his humanitarian interventions and his representation of Nigeria on the… pic.twitter.com/2IXuW1d8NO
— Kashim Shettima (@KashimSM) April 17, 2024
We’re rooting for you, Tunde! All the best. https://t.co/inU1OHEgL6
— UK in Nigeria🇬🇧🇳🇬 (@UKinNigeria) April 17, 2024
Best wishes to @Tunde_OD on his knightly mission to break the world record for the longest chess marathon without losing a game! We’re thrilled to cheer him on as he makes history in the heart of Times Square and brings hope to children who dream of a brighter future through… https://t.co/jbA09OdhAj
— U.S. Mission Nigeria (@USinNigeria) April 17, 2024
Here’s another great read for you: Hilda Baci Gets Guinness World Record For Cook-a-thon
