Edo Chess athlete Okemakinde Toluwanimi, weekend,emerged as the champion of the maiden Benin U-25 Rapid Chess Tournament after scoring 8.5points.
Okemakinde Toluwanimi clinched overall best position ahead of second placed Nyuima, Tersee Ferdinand who also scored the same 8.5points .
Another Edo athlete Emmanuel Joy Idara also scored 8.5points to settle for the third position in the 2-day tournament which held between Friday 16-17, January 2026 at the Media Center of the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium in Benin.
The U-25 Rapid Chess Tournament, sponsored by
Cynthia Madu and Thomas Oparaugo’ s organisation Cyntoco Service Ltd had N2m total cash prize splashed on the winners.
Speaking on the final day of the event, the secretary of the Edo State Chess Association Ms Irene Ajibola commended the sponsors of the competition Cyntoco Service Ltd for considering Benin for the competition. She said said that tournaments like this is good for the athletes as it keeps them active and enhances their skills.
The Edo Chess Association secretary called on well-meaning Edo people, particularly those in the diaspora to support the Association which yearns for regular competition for the athletes which is only possible through sponsorship of tournaments to sharpen the skills of the athletes
