58-hour Chess Marathon: Davido drums support for Tunde Onakoya

By Taiwo Okanlawon

Afrobeats singer David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has come out to support Nigerian chess Master, Tunde Onakoya, who is seeking to surpass the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon.

Onakoya commenced his mission to surpass the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon for 58 hours on Wednesday, April 17.

Davido, who recently sold out the iconic New York’s Madison Square Garden, graced the event to give moral support to his compatriot.

In videos making the rounds on social media, the singer and the elated chess master could be seen hugging and dancing at Times Square in New York.

“30 billion for the children as @davido places his chain around my neck. Thank you very much for stopping by after your successful outing at @TheGarden. Keep streaming. Keep sharing. Keep donating,” Onakoya tweeted.

Onakoya’s chess marathon is scheduled to end today, April 19.

Another Nigerian singer, Adekunle Gold had earlier supported the chess master when he visited the venue on Wednesday and made donations to assist in the live streaming of the event.

Among those who have come out to support Onakoya is Nigeria’s Consul-General in New York City, Ambassador Peter Egopija, and Omoyele Sowore among others.

Onakoya has emerged triumphant in all encounters so far, including his match with New York’s National Chess Master, Shawn Martinez.

The Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon stands at 56 hr 09 min 37 sec.

It was achieved by Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad, two Norwegians, on November 11, 2018.

Chess in Slums Africa is a non-profit organisation known for using the game as a framework to promote education and raise champions from low communities.