It is long
gone now but the memories remain and Bomo Kighiga remains National
Champion until the 2010 edition of the NBL chess tournament.
The tale of
the National Championship has comic elements. For different reasons, its
starting date was given thrice differently. When it finally took place,
chess players were faced with high registration cost which included
paying for an identity card that many paid for the year before and
didn’t receive. Trust Nigerians, some chess players saw this barrier of
cost as an opportunity and registered in cheaper and less arduous
category with hopes for easier prizes. The organizers being NCF could
hardly do a thing about this as they don’t maintain a rating system.
What a shame!
Playing
wise the above anomaly ensured that all categories were competitive not
including the Under-14 and Ladies’ category which admitted no dubious
participation. Imagine the tough Master player, Sumbo Olabode in
Category 2. What of Tunde Oladejo or even Charles Ejoor. There were many
such mavericks in the low category.
The case of
Category 1, as can be expected, was even worse. Michael Machiavelli
Cole, Toyin Jegede, Otobo Francis are all examples of top players who
went for the ‘easy’ money.
Toyin Jegede featured in
Category One.
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On a
different note, the female category missed the brilliance of many strong
female players including Rosemary Amadasun and Rachel Edward-Dappa who
were present throughout but didn’t play. However, chess prodigy Tobi
Olatunji was on hand at the start to pose as the favorite for the
trophy. She eventually abandoned the tournament midway.
The
Veterans category and the Sports Writers category did not hold this year
but a candle was lit for the future of Nigerian chess as the Under-14
held with Kwara state, coached by Mr. Alabi, having the highest
representation.
The
highlight of the event and the de facto as well as the de jure
National Championship is the Masters category and this year featured
many worthy contenders such as Bunmi Olape, Benjamin Omorere, Bayo
Adegboyega, Christopher Tobuyei, et cetera.
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Bunmi
Olape wearing the purple Shirt lost this game to Ochuko Emuakpeje |
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In the
early rounds, Bayo Adegboyega rated number 1 for the event, was winning
game after game until he stumbled in the 4th round against
the tactical wizard Abdulkadir Umar. With a whole rook up, he could not
escape Umar’s perpetual queen checks. He however picked up from there to
start another winning streak which ended in the 7th round
this time to eventual champion Bomo Kighiga.
In the
game, Bayo gained a winning advantage using his favorite opening as
white, the Trompowsky. Uncharacteristically he misplayed it and lost. It
was truly surprising prompting Bunmi Olape to opine that Bayo must have
been distracted by Bomo’s draw offer. At the closing ceremony,
Adegboyega dismissed his loss as a product of insanity. What is the
truth? |
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Bayo Adegboyega in the
black shirt defeated Bunmi Olape. Inimo Kigigha, elder brother of Bomo
is the player in the foreground. |
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The final
phase of the events that led to Kigigha becoming National Champion were
wins in rounds 8 and 9 against Christopher Tobuyei and Nosa Edoigiawerie.
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National Champion Bomo
Kigigha
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Here are
pictures of winners of the different categories: |
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Yemi Owolabi, the Under 14 champion. |
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Roland Dieyi ruled Category
2. |
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Ladies champion, Phybian Omogbale, receives her trophy from Rachel
Edward-Dappa |
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Meschack Othman, winner of
Category 1 stretches out his hand for the all-important Nairas. |
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Some more
pictures: |
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Chief arbiter, IA Eugene
Akhiwu listens to a female player. |
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Ikorogbudu Ugushidah won
this game with the black pieces. The player whose head is solely visible
is Demola Sorungbe.
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Hafsat Bello-Osagie |
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Under 14 champion versus Ladies champion. |
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How many
people can you identify in this picture? |
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The National Championship left people with
different feelings. If you wish to air your view on any topic such as
dealing of games, NCF, high registration fees and a sundry others,
please send a mail to
theeditor@chessheights.com . May the Lord be
with you. |
