In a heartening display of support, Afrobeats sensation Davido made a surprise appearance at Times Square in New York City to rally behind Nigerian chess master Tunde Onakoya in his quest to break the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon.
Onakoya embarked on his ambitious mission to surpass the current record of 58 hours for the longest chess marathon on Wednesday, April 17th, igniting a wave of encouragement and admiration from both his fellow Nigerians and chess enthusiasts worldwide.
Davido, fresh from a sold-out performance at New York’s legendary Madison Square Garden, took time out of his busy schedule to stand in solidarity with his compatriot. Videos circulating on social media captured the touching moment as Davido and Onakoya embraced, underscoring the unity and support within the Nigerian community.
But Davido wasn’t the only musical luminary to lend his support. Earlier in the week, Adekunle Gold graced the event, demonstrating the power of art and culture in fostering community and shared aspirations. Adekunle Gold’s contribution, including generous donations to facilitate live streaming of the event, further underscored the collective effort behind Onakoya’s remarkable endeavor.
As the chess marathon reaches its climax today, April 19th, Onakoya’s unwavering determination and strategic prowess have propelled him to victory in every encounter thus far, including a notable match against New York’s National Chess Master, Shawn Martinez.
Onakoya’s journey transcends the boundaries of sport; it embodies the spirit of resilience, ambition, and national pride. His pursuit of excellence serves as an inspiration not only to aspiring chess players but to dreamers everywhere, reminding us that with dedication and support, extraordinary achievements are within reach.
As the world watches with bated breath, one thing is certain: whether Tunde Onakoya secures the Guinness World Record or not, his legacy as a trailblazer and symbol of Nigerian excellence is already firmly established. And with the unwavering support of figures like Davido and Adekunle Gold, his triumph is not only personal but a victory for the entire nation.
