Nigeria outwits Ghana at Chess Olympiad

Nigeria outwits Ghana at Chess Olympiad
Ifeanyi Ibeh
September 26, 2010 11:01PM

Nigeria on Sunday bounced back into reckoning at the ongoing World Chess Olympiad in Khanty-Mansiysk,

following the men’s team 3.5-0.5 demolition of Ghana in the 5th round.

The quartet of Charles Campbell, Olanrewaju Ajibola, Olumide Ajibowo and Inimo Kigigha made the nation proud with the win, which has put the team back in contention for category honour at the global chess event.

Olanrewaju played in black pieces against Francis Anquanddi in Queen’s opening with (1) d4-d5 (2) e3-Nf6 (3) Bd3-c5 but with an innovation of the Nigerian with c5 on move 3, it was later transposed into Maroczy bind and on move 16, Olanrewaju was on the verge of winning a Rook for a pawn sacrifice and brought the game to a ruthless conclusion on move 28.

Ajibowo had a complex game with Ansha Thompson in a Ruy Lopez opening and on move 27, the Nigerian made a Rook sacrifice which the Ghanaian could not hold on to and conceded defeat in a highly entertaining end game of Rooks and white Bishop.

Kigigha won on board three against Bonsu Bempa while Campbell drew against Williams Hrogendijk in the last game. The fifth member of the men’s team, Bunmi Olape was rested for today’s against Malta.

Angolan comeback

In the women’s category, Oluwatobi Olatunji caused the major upset of the day with a massive win against Grand Master Sabure Tuduestso of Angola in one of the round five games.

Here is the full article.