By Precious Eyo
Renowned Afrobeat artist, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has lent his support to celebrated chess Master, Tunde Onakoya, as he endeavors to surpass the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon.
Joining Davido in supporting Onakoya are fellow Nigerian musician Adekunle Kosoko, also known as Adekunle Gold, Nigeria’s Consul-General in New York City, Ambassador Peter Egopija, and activist Omoyele Sowore, among others.
Providing live updates on his X account, Onakoya shared, “Game number 100. 87 against my main opponent #CoachShawnMar. 13 against external challengers. We are now 31 hours in, with 27 to go! That puts us officially past the halfway mark. It’s looking possible now. Keep streaming, keep donating.”
The marathon, taking place at New York City’s iconic Times Square, commenced at 10 am on Wednesday, April 17, and is slated to conclude at 8 pm on April 19.
Onakoya is fully immersed in the intense chess marathon, striving to play for 58 hours without a single defeat. The current Guinness World Record, achieved by Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad of Norway on November 11, 2018, stands at 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 37 seconds.