No fewer than 700 students from across Lagos are expected to compete for a N10 million prize pool at the ChessMasters 2026 tournament scheduled to hold on May 2 at Eko Hotels and Suites.
The tournament, regarded as Africa’s largest school chess championship, is sponsored by FirstBank of Nigeria and organised by KEY Foundation in partnership with Eko Hotels and Suites.
ChessMasters is designed for primary school pupils aged 6 to 11 and aims to promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills among young learners.
The competition will feature participants from about 150 schools across Lagos, providing a national platform for students to showcase their abilities.
Speaking at the event, Acting Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at FirstBank, Olayinka Ijabiyi, said the bank’s involvement aligns with its commitment to youth development and social impact through its First@Sports initiative.
According to him, the sponsorship reflects the bank’s broader focus on education, health, and welfare, adding that chess provides an opportunity for children to develop analytical and competitive skills.
Ijabiyi also highlighted FirstBank’s longstanding support for sports development in Nigeria, citing its partnerships with legacy tournaments such as the Georgian Cup, Lagos Amateur Golf Championship, and the Dala Hard Court Tennis Championship.
Founder of Key Academy, Damilola Okonkwo, said the partnership with FirstBank would expand the reach of the competition and encourage greater participation among schools.
He noted that the initiative is expected to strengthen chess development in Nigeria while promoting intellectual growth among children.
Vice President of the Nigeria Chess Federation, Prince Adeyinka Adewole, said chess plays a significant role in developing cognitive skills in children, including concentration, patience, and strategic thinking.
He added that the game has also shown benefits for children with autism, particularly in improving focus and mental organisation.
Organisers said interested schools can register for participation through the official ChessMasters website ahead of the competition.