Igali Applauds Bayelsa Chess Team, Describes Them as Astute

The Commissioner for Sports Development in Bayelsa State, Chief Baraladei Daniel Igali, has commended the state chess team for its impressive performance, describing the athletes as astute representatives of the state.

Igali made the remarks when he received the team at his office on behalf of Governor Douye Diri following the team’s successful outing at the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championship in Abuja.

The delegation, led by Coach Bomo Kigigha, included 14-year-old chess prodigy Goodness Ekunike and other members of the team. Ekunike presented the trophy he won at the championship to the commissioner.

Igali said the achievement was consistent with the state government’s efforts to project Bayelsa positively through sports. He said the Ministry of Sports Development and the State Sports Council would continue to support initiatives that showcase the talent and potential of Bayelsa athletes.

He acknowledged the initial challenges encountered in securing approvals for the Abuja tournament, assuring that such bottlenecks would be addressed, particularly in view of Ekunike’s remarkable achievement.

The commissioner also noted that sports provide young athletes with opportunities to travel beyond Bayelsa and gain valuable experience.

He described Ekunike’s achievement as too significant to be overlooked and said the trophy would be presented to Deputy Governor Peter Pereotubo Akpe, who would subsequently hand it over to Governor Diri.

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The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Pereyi Efeke, urged the team to build on its recent success and maintain its positive performance in future competitions.

The Director of Sports at the State Sports Council, Bibo Lambert, said Ekunike had demonstrated exceptional ability since he was seven years old, describing his emergence as a world champion at 14 as evidence of his longstanding potential.

Lambert disclosed that Coach Bomo Kigigha, Ekunike and Deborah Quickpen are expected to represent Nigeria at the Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan in September 2026.

Coach Kigigha explained that the team’s presentation of the trophy followed its return from Abuja.