Afrobeat superstar Davido has come out in full support of renowned Nigerian chess Grandmaster Tunde Onakoya, who is currently attempting to break the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon in New York City.
Onakoya commenced his grueling mission to surpass the 58-hour marathon record on Wednesday, April 17th at the iconic Times Square. As he battles through the intense mental and physical challenge, Davido, fresh off his historic sold-out show at Madison Square Garden, made a special appearance to cheer on his compatriot.
In videos circulating on social media, the “IF” hit-maker can be seen embracing and dancing with an elated Onakoya, providing a much-needed morale boost during the record attempt.
“30 billion for the children as @davido places his chain around my neck. Thank you very much for stopping by after your successful outing at @TheGarden. Keep streaming. Keep sharing. Keep donating,” Onakoya tweeted.
The current Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon stands at 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 37 seconds, set by Norwegians Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad in 2018. Onakoya’s ambitious quest aims to surpass this mark by playing chess continuously for 58 hours without a single defeat.
As of Thursday, Onakoya had reached the 100-game mark, with 87 games played against his main opponent Coach Shawn Mar, and 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,” the grandmaster updated his fans.
The event, organized by Chess in Slums Africa, a non-profit using the game to empower underprivileged youth, has garnered support from prominent figures across Nigeria, including the Consul-General in New York, Ambassador Peter Egopija, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and business tycoon Tony Elumelu.
