The Lagos chapter of Chess Heights staged a thrilling six-round Swiss on March 1, 2025, under a 20 + 10 time control. Forty-nine entrants—from seasoned masters to hungry juniors—battled for supremacy. In the end, top seed Afam Ndidi Ernest (2061) emerged undefeated on 5½/6, fending off challenges from National Champion Tersee Nyuima and Oladele Oluwole, who shared second with 5/6 each.
Early Rounds (Rounds 1–2)
Round 1 got off to a fast start at 11 AM. On Board 1, Afam dispatched Jubelo Ayotomiwa in short order, while fellow 2000+ players Femi Oluwaseyitan (2042) and Promise Oziegbe (2002) also converted smooth wins. Two quick draws on Boards 6 and 7—Uwanaka David vs. Chimezie Tabugbo and Collins Ekeibe vs. Fortune Ekome—hinted at the depth in the lower half.
In Round 2, Afam extended his edge by outplaying Goodness Ogar, joining Nyuima (who beat Oluwatoni Odetola) and Oladele (who scored against Adejuwon Adekanye) on 2/2. Femi held Chigozie Nwarache to a draw, and a clutch win by Yetunde Odumade over Adeyinka Adewole on Board 5 highlighted the field’s resilience.
Middle Rounds (Rounds 3–4)
By Round 3 (1:15 PM), Afam sat alone on 3/3 after defeating Oladele. Nyuima kept pace with a win over Daniel Taiwo, while Femi rebounded with a victory against Samson Odere. Aidan David’s upset of Osikoya further shuffled the chasing pack.
Round 4 delivered the marquee clash: Afam vs. Nyuima on Board 1. Demonstrating superior opening prep and nerve in time trouble, Afam triumphed to push to 4/4, leaving Nyuima at 3/4. Elsewhere, Oladele bolstered his standing with a win on Board 6, and Osikoya and Okan Akan each notched vital victories to stay in contention.
Final Rounds (Rounds 5–6)
In Round 5 (3:45 PM), Afam faced his first slip—a well-timed ½–½ draw with Oloruntobi Shoboyejo on Board 1. Behind him, Oladele returned to form by defeating Goodness Ogar, and Tersee Nyuima rebounded sharply to stay within striking distance.
The final round at 5 PM saw another top-board duel: Afam vs. Femi. Afam converted a slight middlegame edge into a decisive win, sealing his 5½/6 score. Nyuima and Oladele both won their finales to finish on 5/6, tying for the runner-up spots. Femi and Promise each closed on 4½/6, rounding out a fiercely fought top five.
Final Standings (Top 10)
| Rank | Player | Rtg | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Afam Ndidi Ernest | 2061 | 5½/6 |
| 2–3 | Tersee Ferdinand Nyuima | 1977 | 5/6 |
| Oladele Oluwole | 1906 | 5/6 | |
| 4–6 | Femi Oluwaseyitan | 2042 | 4½/6 |
| Promise Oziegbe | 2002 | 4½/6 | |
| Chimezie Tabugbo | 1943 | 4½/6 | |
| 7–10 | Bolaji Bello | 1752 | 4½/6 |
| Oloruntobi Ayomipo Shoboyejo | 1900 | 4/6 | |
| Biodun Yekeen | 0 | 4/6 | |
| Daniel Olamide Taiwo (U14) | 1660 | 4/6 |
Tournament Reflections
Afam Ndidi Ernest’s unbeaten run, featuring five wins and a single draw, underscores his dominance in Lagos rapid chess. Yet the tight chase by Nyuima and Oladele—both just half a point behind—highlights the rising depth in the region. Congratulations to all prize-winners and participants. Stay tuned as Chess Heights continues its state-by-state tour!
Pictures Below
