World Stunned As Onakoya Breaks Chess Record — NiDCOM Hails Iconic Moment

The Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has extended her heartfelt congratulations to Tunde Onakoya for setting a new world record in chess.

Onakoya, renowned Nigerian Chess Master and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, has been officially confirmed by Guinness World Records as the new holder of the longest chess marathon title.

According to the GWR, Onakoya achieved this incredible feat by completing 64 continuous hours of chess alongside American player Shawn Martinez at Times Square, New York City, between April 17 and 20, 2025.

This milestone comes after Onakoya’s previous attempt in April 2024, where he played for 60 hours—temporarily surpassing the then-record—before it was reclaimed by Norway’s Odin Blikra Vea and Askild Bryn with a time of 61 hours, 3 minutes, and 34 seconds.

Now, with a validated time of 64 hours, Onakoya has officially raised the global standard for chess endurance.

Dabiri-Erewa praised Onakoya not only for his strategic brilliance but also for his unwavering dedication to empowering underprivileged children through his non-profit, Chess in Slums Africa.

She stated:

“Tunde Onakoya embodies the very best of the Nigerian spirit—resilient, visionary, and deeply impactful. His record-breaking accomplishment is more than a personal victory; it’s a triumph for Nigeria and Africa as a whole. He has once again made us immensely proud.”

She reaffirmed NiDCOM’s commitment to supporting Nigerians making global strides and encouraged young Nigerians to look up to Onakoya’s story as a shining example of purposeful excellence and determination.