Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has congratulated Tunde Onakoya on breaking the world record in chess.
According to Naija News, Guinness World Records has formally acknowledged Onakoya, the Nigerian chess master and creator of Chess in Slums Africa, as the new world record holder for the longest chess marathon.

Onakoya accomplished the mark by competing in a 64-hour chess marathon with American Shawn Martinez at Times Square in New York City from April 17 to April 20, 2025, according to Guinness World Records.

With this confirmation, Onakoya makes a huge comeback. In April 2024, he played for 60 hours, momentarily breaking the previous record before the Norwegian chess team of Odin Blikra Vea and Askild Bryn took it back with 61 hours, 3 minutes, and 34 seconds.

With this most recent, officially confirmed accomplishment, Onakoya’s 64-hour effort has become the new world record for chess endurance.

She said that millions of people worldwide are still motivated by his dedication to utilizing chess as a vehicle for social change.

“Tunde Onakoya embodies the best qualities of Nigerians: determination, vision, and impact.” His most recent record is a triumph for Nigeria and the African continent as a whole, not just for him personally. She declared, “He has once again made the country proud.”

The NiDCOM Boss encouraged young Nigerians to be inspired by Onakoya’s tale of purpose-driven success and reaffirmed the Commission’s support for Nigerians in the Diaspora who are still breaking new ground around the world.

In addition to his tenacity and skill on the board, Dabiri-Erewa praised Onakoya for his unwavering support of impoverished kids via his program, Chess in Slums Africa.