The second edition of the Benin Chess Tournament otherwise called “Oba’s Cup” ended at the indoor Sports Hall of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium over the weekend with the co-ordinator, Princess Omoyemwen Adeyinka-Afolabi promising that next year’s competition will be a lot better.Elated Omoyemwen Afolabi did not mince words in explaining that this year’s tournament was better organized than that of last year.
“The tension and unnecessary challenges which accompanied the maiden tournament were not really there. I give glory to God for making it possible for me to organize the tournament successfully.”
She expressed gratitude to the Oba of Benin, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo Uku Akpokpolo Oba Erediauwa (CFR) for his fatherly blessings and magnanimity which made the tournament a huge success.
The co-ordinator also thanked the 7Up Bottling Company for its sponsorship, the Edo State Sports Council, the Ministry of Youth and Sports and others for their immense support.
Prizes were distributed to Osadebe Michael for winning gold medal, Odianosen Ehikioya who got silver medal and Uwadiae Osazee for clinching bronze in the Under – 14 category.
Consolatory prizes were given to Obiwulu Samson and Igbinoghodua Nosakhare even as medals were distributed to Enaugbe Rhino, Pendor Joy, Osato Iyamu also in the same category.
In the Under-5 category, Delight Ilaboya,, Tehilla Efe-Obake and Christopher Ikponmwosa carted home prizes for emerging winners.
Sports Calony International, an organization committed to the development of sports at the grassroot gave merit awards to Nicholas Eboigbe of The Nigerian Observer Sports Desk, Eghosa Agbonlahor, Controller News and Sports of ITV/Independent Radio for their immense contributions to the development of Chess in Edo State amongst others.
Excited Eghosa Agbonlahor donated a Chess board and kits to young Chess player, Ilaboya as part of effort to enhance more growth of Chess Sport in the state.
The representatives of the Oba of Benin, Chief Uyi Okungbowa and Chief Omonosa Osarogiagbon the Obarenogare of Benin Kingdom were in attendance at the grand finale.
Others were the Benin Branch Manager of the 7Up Bottling Company Mr. Christopher Eshieku who stood in for the General Manger, Acting Director of Sports, Edo State Sports Council, Mr. Charity Igbinedion, Chief Obanor (Head Coach of Gymnastics, Messrs Collins Oguekhian and Benjamin Ehineboh.