Olawale Oyeleye Reports
This write-up is based on the account of Prince Adeyinka Adewole, Vice President of the Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF).
It is with profound disappointment and frustration that we report the Hungarian authorities have shockingly denied visas to the Nigerian Chess Olympiad team. This is not just a minor oversight—this is a crushing blow to our national pride and the aspirations of our talented players who have worked tirelessly to represent their country on one of the world’s most prestigious stages.
The 45th World Chess Olympiad is an event of unparalleled significance, where countries gather to showcase their best talent in a grand display of intellectual prowess and sportsmanship. Yet, despite the Nigerian Chess Federation’s meticulous efforts to ensure a smooth visa process, only one male player and two female players out of the entire team were granted visas. This is an appalling oversight and an unacceptable act of disregard for our athletes.
The excuse given for this denial—an unfounded doubt about whether our players would return home—is nothing short of outrageous. It is a baseless and offensive claim that undermines the integrity and dedication of our chess players. There is a solid history of Nigerian chess players returning after international competitions, and this preposterous excuse only serves to deepen the sense of injustice.
The Federation is vigorously appealing this decision, but the damage has been done. This is a deeply disheartening moment, especially considering the positive relationship that was fostered just three years ago when Nigeria and Hungary engaged in a friendly chess match aimed at strengthening sports collaboration between our nations. To see Hungary, a country with whom we hoped to build a lasting and positive rapport, turn us away so callously is a devastating betrayal.
Our talented players— IM Balogun Oluwafemi, FM Abiola Akinseye, FM Kigigha Bomo, WIM Elect Ofowino Toritsemuwa, Suleiman Azumi, Enomah Emmanuella Trust and Onoja Iyefu were looking forward to this moment. The dreams of our 11-year-old female National champion WCM Deborah Quickpen to meet the legendary Judit Polgar, and the aspirations of FIDE Master Eyetonghan Callistus and FM Abimbola Osunfuyi to shine on a global stage, have been cruelly thwarted.
This situation is not just a missed opportunity; it is a tragic failure to recognize the hard work and dedication of our young chess prodigies. We urgently call for a resolution to this injustice, so that our team may still have the chance to participate in the remaining rounds and prove their mettle on the world stage.
