Nigeria will be aiming for a strong showing at the 2026 African Individual Chess Championships as seven of the country's top players prepare to compete against the continent's finest talents in Botswana.

The prestigious championship is scheduled to hold from June 18 to 27 at the Debswana Jwaneng Mine and will serve as a qualifying tournament for the coveted FIDE Chess World Cup.

The Nigerian contingent comprises five players in the Open category and two in the Women's section, all hoping to secure continental honours and boost the country's growing reputation in African chess.

According to the Secretary of the Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF), Mrs. Ejiro Thukson, the men's team includes Abdulrahmam Abdulraheem Akintoye, Odion Aikhoje, Adeyinka Adewole, Paul Eloka and Tennyson Ewomazino Olisa.

Representing Nigeria in the women's category are Ofowino Toritsemuwa and Bridget Michael.

NCF Vice President Adeyinka Adewole will not only lead the delegation to Botswana but will also compete in the championship as one of Nigeria's representatives.

The African Individual Chess Championships remains the continent's premier individual chess competition, attracting Grandmasters, International Masters and elite players from across Africa. Beyond the race for continental titles, participants will also battle for qualification places to the FIDE Chess World Cup, making the tournament one of the most important events on the African chess calendar.

Hosts Botswana are preparing for a historic edition of the competition. The Botswana Chess Federation (BCF) confirmed that 25 countries have registered for the championship, which will be staged in the country for the first time.

The event also coincides with the 50th anniversary of the African Chess Confederation (ACC), adding further significance to this year's tournament.

BCF President Kutlwano Tatolo described the championship as Africa's most prestigious individual chess event and noted that the participation of leading players from across the continent reflects the continued growth and development of chess in Africa.

For Team Nigeria, the championship presents another opportunity to challenge for continental honours and demonstrate the country's rising stature in the game.

With World Cup qualification spots at stake and Africa's best players set to compete, Nigeria's representatives will be determined to make a significant impact when the championship begins in Jwaneng later this month.

Team Nigeria

Open Category

• Abdulrahmam Abdulraheem Akintoye
• Odion Aikhoje
• Adeyinka Adewole
• Paul Eloka
• Tennyson Ewomazino Olisa

Women's Category

• Ofowino Toritsemuwa
• Bridget Michael