The February edition of Chess Heights Plateau State assembled eleven of the region’s sharpest minds for a one-day, six-round Swiss event on February 1, 2025. Under a rapid 20+10 time control, competitors balanced speed and precision, but it was Blaise Ifeanyi Anasoh (1919) who navigated every matchup unscathed, finishing a perfect 6 / 6 to claim the championship.
Early Rounds (Rounds 1–2)
Round 1 (9:00 AM) opened with a major upset on Board 1 as Daniel Nagari (1690) toppled top seed Sarkinaan Isa (1936). Meanwhile, Anasoh kicked off in style, outplaying Akintade Balogun to join Emmanuel Ukoso (1872), Daniel Guzorochi Okezie-Onyema (1849), and John Reuben Durkwa (1711) on 1 / 1 after they each converted their first-round pairings. Chimezie Tabugbo earned the lone bye point.
In Round 2 (10:30 AM), Anasoh made his intentions clear by defeating Durkwa on Board 1, vaulting to 2 / 2. Ukoso struck back at Nagari to stay within striking distance, while Okezie-Onyema beat Madugu Divine and newcomer Abi Manu Agwom upset Balogun. A tense ½–½ draw between Isa and Collins Kagho highlighted the field’s depth.
Middle Rounds (Rounds 3–4)
By Round 3 (11:45 AM), Anasoh and Ukoso clashed on Board 1—Anasoh prevailed again to surge to 3 / 3. Durkwa kept pace with a win over Okezie-Onyema, and Nagari rebounded by defeating Agwom. Atari Washik-Ladi scored his first victory against Divine, while Kagho finally broke through against Balogun.
In Round 4 (1:00 PM), Anasoh demolished Washik-Ladi to extend his clean sheet to 4 / 4, cementing sole leadership. Ukoso and Durkwa each notched victories over Okezie-Onyema and Agwom respectively, ensuring they remained in the hunt. Kagho continued his strong run with another win, and Balogun picked up his first full point via a bye.
Final Rounds (Rounds 5–6)
Round 5 (2:15 PM) delivered the pivotal rematch on Board 1—Anasoh outmaneuvered Isa in a critical endgame to move to 5 / 5. On Boards 2–3, Ukoso overcame Durkwa, and Okezie-Onyema defeated Kagho, setting the stage for a tense finale. Nagari’s resilient play earned him a key win over Washik-Ladi, while Madugu Divine upset Balogun.
When Round 6 (3:30 PM) arrived, Anasoh closed with clinical precision, dispatching Nagari to finish at 6 / 6. Ukoso claimed the runner-up spot with a final-round win over Isa (5 / 6), while Durkwa’s victory over Kagho secured sole third place on 4 / 6. Okezie-Onyema’s bye left him tied on points with Durkwa but edged out by tiebreaks.
Final Standings (Top 4)
| Rank | Player | Rtg | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Blaise Ifeanyi Anasoh | 1919 | 6 / 6 |
| 2 | Emmanuel Ukoso Kaase | 1872 | 5 / 6 |
| 3 | John Reuben Durkwa | 1711 | 4 / 6 |
| 4 | Daniel Guzorochi Okezie-Onyema | 1849 | 4 / 6 |
Closing Thoughts
Plateau State’s February rapid brought vivid tactical skirmishes, clutch comebacks, and a masterclass by Blaise Anasoh—who remains unbeaten through two state events. Congratulations to all prize-winners and competitors. Next stop: the March edition—can anyone halt Anasoh’s momentum? Stay tuned for more drama!
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