Abuja hosts 250 young players for Evolve 2.0 children’s chess championship

Abuja came alive on Saturday as 250 young chess enthusiasts gathered for the Evolve 2.0 Children’s Chess Championship, an event dedicated to nurturing grassroots sports development and grooming Nigeria’s future grandmasters.

Organised by the Royals Chess Academy, the tournament featured participants from schools across the Federal Capital Territory competing in four categories — Under-8, Under-10, Under-13, and Under-16.

Convener and Proprietor of Royals Chess Academy, Mr Johnson Enejison, said that the championship was designed not only to identify budding talent but also to instil vital life skills in children.

According to him, chess improves critical thinking, builds resilience, and promotes discipline and focus from an early age.

Young players spoke enthusiastically about the benefits of the game.

Twelve-year-old Somtochukwu Okolo credited chess with improving his academic performance, particularly in mathematics.

Jemimah Ugwuocha described it as “a game for young minds” that fosters strategic thinking, while Jaydeen Arosanyin and Osikwe Grace noted that it sharpens problem-solving skills and makes learning enjoyable.

Parents and coaches also praised the impact of chess beyond the competition.

Mrs Taiye Arosanyin said introducing her son to the game had helped him focus more on his studies, while chess coach Mr Uba Efe described the rewarding challenge of teaching the sport to children and seeing them develop confidence and analytical skills.

The Under-16 category saw Goodluck Agbara clinch first place with a prize of N30,000, followed by Afolabi Olutoye Jeremiah and Emereole Lawrence in second and third place respectively, each receiving N15,000.

Fourth, fifth and sixth positions went to Iwuagwu Nkiruka, Orji Chinazam, and Iyiola Khalid, who also took home N15,000 each.

The Best Female Player award in this category went to Ihewulezi Chisom, who received N10,000.

In the Under-13 category, Charles Oro emerged champion with N25,000.

Abasiono Ibok and Afolabi Daniel Olumide tied for second and third place, each winning N15,667, while Mba Uchechi Prosper finished fourth with the same amount.

Abiodun Kamila took home N10,000 as the Best Female Player.

The Under-10 category saw Pedro Odogwu claim first place with N20,000.

Chukwurah King David, Odidiong Ibok, Kamolideen Muhammad-Awwal, Ajayi Rereoluwasimi, and Rhitoh Joseph placed second to sixth, each earning N7,166. The Best Female Player prize of N10,000 went to Berecharh Barnabas.

In the Under-8 category, Ojeaga Olumhense won first place with N15,000, followed by Ibok Idara and Osemudiamhen Osose, who both earned N11,000 for second and third place respectively.

Uduaka Victor finished fourth with N8,000, while the Best Female Player award went to Princess Ukpokowo Olumhense, who received N10,000.

Special recognition was given to Munachi Jason Emmanuel, who was named the Youngest Chess Talent of the tournament and awarded N10,000 for his achievement.

With thrilling performances across all categories, the championship not only celebrated competition but also underscored chess as a vital tool for childhood development, blending discipline, strategy, and intellectual growth.