In international chess, Nigeria’s women have left an unforgettable mark at the Chess Olympiads, let’s take a journey through the years, celebrating the names and achievements of these remarkable players who have proudly represented Nigeria on the global chess stage.
WCM Ime M. Etokowo: The Trailblazer
WCM Ime M Etokowo, a trailblazer, made her first mark in 1986, and also featured in 1988 with an outstanding performance where she won Nigeria’s first bronze medal at the Chess Olympiad in Thessaloniki, Greece accumulating 9½ points in her single appearance. Her strategic brilliance laid the foundation for Nigeria’s presence at the Olympiads. She is Nigeria’s first medallist.
Omolola Oluwatosin Alabi: Precision in 1998
In 1998, Omolola Oluwatosin Alabi stepped onto the Olympiad stage, showcasing precision with 6 points. Despite her efforts, she didn’t secure any individual medals but individually, Alabi played a crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s chess narrative.
Nsisong Asanga: Strategic Brilliance in 2012
Nsisong Asanga, gracing the Olympiads in 2012, demonstrated strategic intelligence with 7 points. Her contribution added depth to the team’s performance, reflecting the evolving strength of Nigerian chess.
Sandra Aramude & Mandy Enarevba: Rising Stars in 2014
The dynamic duo of Sandra Aramude and Mandy Enarevba emerged as rising stars in 2014, earning 4½ and 5 points respectively. Their youthfulness and enthusiasm injected new energy into the team.
Silvia Chidi: A Chess Maestro (1990-1992)
Silvia Chidi, a chess maestro, graced the Olympiads from 1990 to 1992, accumulating an impressive 11½ points. Her persistence and strategic insight laid the foundation for the generations to come.
Oluwatobiloba Olatunji (WFM): A superstar (2010-2014)
WFM Oluwatobiloba Olatunji, a rising star, participated in three Olympiads from 2010 to 2014, accumulating an impressive 16½ points. Her sustained performance showcases dedication and skill.
Rosemary Amadasun: A Chess Veteran (1994, 2002, 2006, 2010)
Rosemary Amadasun, a veteran of the chessboard, graced the Olympiads in 1994, 2002, 2006, and 2010, accumulating 22 points. Her enduring commitment has engraved her name in the history of chess in Nigeria.
Pauline Ikpa-Glewis: A Strategic Force (1998, 2002, 2006)
Pauline Ikpa-Glewis, a strategic force, contributed significantly in 1998, 2002, and 2006, accumulating 17 points. Her impact on the team’s dynamics showcased a blend of skill and determination.
Vivian Dzaayem: A Rising Star (2010-2012)
Vivian Dzaayem, with a spirited performance in 2010 and 2012, showcased her prowess with 6½ points. Her strategic skills brought energy to the team, helping in the overall success.
D. Atukpokoh (1988):
Atukpokoh entered the Olympiad stage in 1988, scoring a commendable 6 points. Despite the absence of individual medals, her strategic contributions enhanced Nigeria’s standing in the competition.
Uwa Obasi-Chekwas (2008):
Uwa Obasi-Chekwas made her mark in 2008, earning 4 points and demonstrating toughness. Her strategic choices and tactical moves reflected her commitment to the team.
Olabisi Rabiu (2014):
Olabisi Rabiu, part of the 2014 team, secured 4 points, showcasing her proficiency on the board. Her valuable contributions added depth to Nigeria’s performance that year.
Bimbo Edunwale (2002):
Bimbo Edunwale, with a performance in 2002, earned 3½ points. Her strategic choices and tactical awareness contributed to the team’s overall strength.
Kemi Teru (2002):
Kemi Teru, gracing the Olympiads in 2002, accumulated 3½ points, displaying a keen understanding of the game. Her presence strengthened the team’s variety of strategies.
Agharese Usuanlele (1992-1994):
Agharese Usuanlele, participating in 1992-1994, earned 9 points. Her strategic skill and toughness showcased the evolving strength of Nigerian women in chess.
Olivia Ugorji (1990, 1994):
Olivia Ugorji, a consistent performer in 1990 and 1994, secured 7½ points. Her adaptability and strategic skills played a key role in Nigeria’s position during these critical years.
Rebecca Orosso (1990):
Rebecca Orosso, participating in 1990, earned 2½ points, displaying her proficiency on the board. Her contributions, though modest, added to the team’s overall strength.
Jeje Tolulope (2008):
Jeje Tolulope, entering the Olympiad scene in 2008, secured 3½ points. Her strategic choices demonstrated a promising path in the world of chess.
L. Ogunshola (1986):
L. Ogunshola, part of the 1986 team, earned 4½ points. Her strategic contributions in the early years of Olympiad participation set the stage for future successes.
Olufunmilayo Akinoka (2010-2012):
Olufunmilayo Akinoka, participating in 2010-2012, accumulated 7 points. Her consistent performances showcased a blend of skill and determination.
Omolabake Coker (WIM) (2014):
WIM Omolabake Coker, gracing the Olympiads in 2014, secured 2 points. Her contributions added to the collective strength of the team.
Onajite Hugbo (1992):
Onajite Hugbo, participating in 1992, earned 4 points, contributing to the team’s strategic dynamics.
Folusayo Togun (2008):
Folusayo Togun, part of the 2008 team, secured 3 points. Her strategic choices demonstrated dedication and skill.
Rachael Edward-Dappa (2006-2010):
Rachael Edward-Dappa, with appearances in 2006 and 2010, earned 9½ points. Her contributions showcased toughness, control and strategic brilliance.
Oghenero Orumah (1992):
Oghenero Orumah, participating in 1992, secured 1½ points, contributing to Nigeria’s presence internationally.
Ogunremi Adenike (1998)
Ogunremi Adenike showcased her skills in the 1998 Chess Olympiad, securing 2 points and making valuable contributions to Nigeria’s performance on the international stage.
Asibor Phyllis (1994, 1998)
Asibor Phyllis represented Nigeria in both 1994 and 1998, securing 4 points across these tournaments and demonstrating consistent excellence in her chess performance.
Opuama Datari (1990)
Opuama Datari showcased their skills on the chessboard in 1990, earning 1½ points and contributing to Nigeria’s chess legacy with their strategic play.
Olusola Toyin and Isong Ekaote (1980)
The duo of Olusola Toyin and Isong Ekaote represented Nigeria in the year 1980, demonstrating their dedication to the game by securing 1 point and leaving their mark on the nation’s chess history..
Chinakwe N. (1988) and Oluwole T., also represented Nigeria, leaving an enduring legacy of dedication and commitment to the game.
Alexis Diekocha (2012)
Alexis Diekocha proudly represented Nigeria in the 2012 Chess Olympiad, contributing to the team’s efforts with her strategic play and dedication to the game.
Precious Agbazue, Oluwaseun Assa, Chinyere Ehirim, Deborah Akintoye and Eloho Perpetual Ogbiyoyo (2018)
They all participated in the 2018 Chess Olympiad, securing 0.5 points, 2 points, 4 points, 6.5 points and 6 points respectively. Their expertise and brilliance not only boosted the team’s overall performance but also showcased their unwavering dedication and strategic skills, capturing the very essence of chess excellence. Their impressive contributions during the 2018 Chess Olympiad underscored not only their individual achievements but also their collective commitment to raising the profile of Nigerian chess on the world stage. WFM Eloho Perpetual also participated in the year 2022.
In 2022, Ofowino Toritsemuwa led the pack that included; Enomah Emmanuella Trust, Suleiman Azumi Ayisha, Ogbiyoyo Perpetual Eloho and Onoja Iyefu Joy.
As we celebrate these queens of the board, each player has contributed uniquely to Nigeria’s chess legacy. Their dedication, intelligence, and unwavering spirit have not only earned points on the board but have also inspired future generations of female chess enthusiasts in Nigeria.
These women continue to be the driving force behind the growth and recognition of women in Nigerian chess.
