Olisa crowned Africa zonal chess king

Tennyson Olisa wrote his name in chess history by winning the first-ever Africa Super Zonal Chess Championship in Lagos, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The 22-year-old Nigerian was in beast mode, finishing with 7½ points from nine rounds to win the title in style.

He recently won silver at the Zone 4.2 Championship and dominated a strong field with precision and maturity beyond his years. The victory not only earned him the continental crown but also a shot at qualifying for the 2025 FIDE World Cup.

Olisa will now face the bronze medallist from the African Individual Chess Championship for a place in the global tournament, and has also earned a place in the prestigious FIDE Grand Swiss.

“This means the world to me,” said Olisa after his final match.

“Winning this title on home soil is something I’ll never forget. I am proud to represent Nigeria and Africa at the next level.”

While Algeria’s Lina Nassr took the women’s honours on tie break after finishing joint second with 6½ points alongside Nigeria’s Abdulrahman Akintoye, it was Olisa came out as the top player across all categories.

The championship was hosted by the African Chess Confederation with support from the Nigerian government and sporting authorities and marks a new chapter for zonal chess on the continent.

The Vice President of the AAC extends its warmest congratulations to all the winners and participants for their outstanding displays of skill, discipline, and sportsmanship.

“We are immensely proud of every player who took part in this inaugural event,” said Nadezhda Marochkin. “Their commitment, passion, and integrity embody the spirit of African chess.”

“We are also deeply grateful to the government of Nigeria, the Nigeria Sports Commission, and the Nigeria Chess Federation for their exceptional support and hospitality in hosting this landmark tournament. This was more than a competition, it was a celebration of unity, talent, and the promising future of zonal chess across Africa.”

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

Contact: [email protected]