- By Halimah Olamide
Nigerian chess master and coach, Tunde Onakoya, has beat his set target of a new Guinness World Record for the longest marathon chess.
Onakoya announced via his official social media handle.
”We have done it.
“We’re pushing to 60 hours guys. We’re not stopping yet. Let’s keep going.
“We have a fundraising goal to meet for the education of African children around the world. This is our why – the reason we are doing this.
“Let’s demonstrate to the world the incredible power of love. Together, we can make this happen.
Onakoya surpassed the record of Norwegian players, Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad, who played for 56-hour, 9-minute in 2018.
The challenge, which is underway at New York City’s iconic Times Square, has currently exceeded 56 hours and a few minutes and already set him adrift the previous record holders.
A total of $22,000 was raised within the first 20 hours of the attempt, said Taiwo Adeyemi, Onakoya’s manager.
“The support has been overwhelming from Nigerians in the U.S., global leaders, celebrities and hundreds of passersby,” he said.
Meanwhile, many Nigerians, politicians alongside a number of celebrities like Former Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, Adekunle Gold, Davido, Governor Babajide SanwoOlu, have drummed support for the chess master.