The Ecobank National School Chess Tournament is one of the largest inter-school chess competitions in Nigeria, designed to inspire young people and showcase the power of chess as a tool for education, discipline, and change . On June 27th, 2025 at the Ecobank Pan-African Center Victoria Island Lagos state, the  tournament brought together 197 schools with over 900 junior players competing in attendance, in  a vibrant display of resilience and brilliance.

For Chess in Slums Africa (CISA), this tournament is a stage to demonstrate how children from underserved communities can rise above their circumstances when given opportunity, support, and belief. With just six months of formal chess training, our junior team faced the competition with courage, resilience, and determination.

Representing Chess in Slums Africa (CISA) were five remarkable students from Makoko: Kisegbeji Deni [11], Edewhen Jonas[10], Avlessi Thank God[11], Ehuntin Augustine [11], and Edewhen Edwin [10]. Together, they played with grit and brilliance, making the day unforgettable.

How Our Champions Performed

• Kisegbeji Deni (Board One): Achieved a perfect score, winning all 6 rounds, and was crowned Bronze Medalist.

• Edewhen Edwin Mawuzonsu (Board Five): Also scored a perfect 6/6, earning the Silver Medal.

• Edeweh Jonas Bobo, Alessi Thank God Jeremiah, Ehuntin Augustine Godday: Each won 5 out of 6 rounds, demonstrating remarkable resilience and consistency.

The highlight of the game came in Round Four, when Edwin executed a tactical move known as the fishing pole trap, a chess trap the team had just learned before the tournament. With fearless precision, he sacrificed his knight and delivered a stunning checkmate in just 10 moves. The crowd was left in awe, and this game quickly became one of the tournament’s standout moments.

Though the team aimed for first place, they proudly secured second overall, proving themselves among the nation’s best. They walked away with medals, smiles, and the pride of achieving something extraordinary.

“I didn’t expect to win all my games,” Edwin said with a wide smile. “But now I believe I can do even greater things.”

This victory is about far more than medals or trophies. It is a celebration of growth, courage, and unwavering resilience. It shows how our children, despite challenging circumstances, can rise with confidence, discipline, and determination—a powerful reminder that greatness can emerge from the humblest beginnings.

Celebrating Our Chess Coaches

Behind every move, every strategy, and every moment of brilliance is the dedication and guidance of our chess coaches. Their patience, mentorship, and unwavering support have been instrumental in shaping the skills, confidence, and resilience of our young champions.

From teaching complex tactics like the fishing pole trap to encouraging players to believe in themselves, our coaches go above and beyond, often investing countless hours to ensure each child thrives both on and off the board.

At Chess in Slums Africa, we are immensely grateful to our coaches for being mentors, motivators, and role models. Their commitment is not just to chess, but to transforming lives and unlocking the potential of every child in our programs.

At Chess in Slums Africa, we believe every child deserves the chance to dream boldly, learn deeply, and thrive fully. This tournament is yet another step in our mission to use chess as a tool to unlock potential and transform the lives of children in underserved communities.

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