The 2026 edition of the Southeast Chess Classics climaxed at weekend in Umuahia, amid joy and excitement as winners emerged in various categories.
The event which is coordinated by the office of the National Sports Commission, NSC, Zonal Coordinator witnessed some of the country’s brightest talents from Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi and Imo States, jostle for honours.
In the open category, Tyowase Tyover Collins claimed the gold medal, while CM Omorere Benjamin and Emmanuel Joy Idara. got silver and bronze respectively
Sulieman Azum won gold, Ebiakpo Treasure. Silver and Opara Mirian Adaeze. Bronze in the female category, just as Okwuosa Joshua Ifeanyii outshined every contest to be crowned winner, followed by Osayande Kingsley (silver and Ajie Ebenezer in the Under 2000 category.
For the Under-16 category, Okwuosa Emmanuel.showed class and composure to secure the top prize, Bayefa Onyeikeperemo got silver and Nwachukwu John settled for bronze, while the most indigenous player award went to Theophilus Amarachukwu Geocaf.
However, medals, trophies and cash rewards ranging from twenty thousand to six hundred thousand naira were presented to the various categories of the players within the first to the six position, even as other award recipients include the Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Chioma Otti, Commissioner for sports Abia State Honorable Ananaba Obilor and Director of Sports, Comr.ade Obioma George
Reflecting on the overall performance of the competition, NSC zonal coordinator, Benard Ezema, in a phone conversation yesterday ,expressed delight over the organization and participation, while reaffirming that such program will avail the coaches the opportunity to assess their players mental and reasoning ability.
He further solicit for the promotion and sponsorship of school and grassroot programs, saying that the zone has what it takes to produce the generation of players that can take the world by storm.
The Nigeria Chess Federation, which is an affiliate of the International Chess Federation,is the umbrella body that officially governs and regulate chess programs and activities in the country.
