Audio By Carbonatix
Under the beaming lights of New York's iconic Times Square, Nigerian chess master Tunde Onakoya has broken the record for the longest chess marathon.
After playing for 58 consecutive hours he was still at the board.
Onakoya hopes to raise $1m (£805,000) for charity to support chess education for millions of children.
Hundreds of supporters from the city's Nigerian community have shown up to cheer on the chess master, including Nigerian Afrobeats star Davido.
They provided music and energised him with supplies of classic Nigerian dishes, including the beloved national staple, jollof rice.
Back home in Nigeria, people threw their support behind Onakoya as they watched him conquer the record on Twitch, a video-streaming service.
Supporters left messages on the stream commending Onakoya as an inspiration.
"Thank you for daring to dream and showing us the levels to which we can all take our brain power to! Well done Tunde! I'm going to pick up my chess board back haha," one commenter wrote.
"Mr Onakoya is a symbol of excellence and resilience that distinguish Nigerians both at home and abroad... Go, make history, and inscribe our name in gold," Nigeria's Vice-President Kashim Shettima posted on X.
"Lagos is rooting for you," Lagos state governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu told Onakoya, adding that his attempt was "a powerful testament to how greatness can emerge from anywhere".
The previous world record, recognised by Guinness World records, was 56 hours, nine minutes, and 37 seconds, which was set by Norwegian duo Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad in 2018.
Onakoya, 29, credits chess with saving him from the overwhelming poverty he faced growing up in Lagos's infamous floating slums.
His non-profit, Chess in Slums Africa, teaches the game to children from poor communities and helps them with their education.
Onakoya is also a board member of the US non-profit The Gift of Chess, which works to transform lives through chess and is targeting to distribute one million chess sets to underserved communities by 2030.
Latest Stories
-
Kpebu doubts claims that Akufo-Addo administration interfered with Special Prosecutor
1 hour -
It’s difficult to believe everything the OSP says – Manasseh Awuni
2 hours -
I would’ve blocked Ofori-Atta from leaving Ghana if I were Special Prosecutor – Martin Kpebu
2 hours -
I’m headed for public office, but not the OSP role – Martin Kpebu
2 hours -
I will only submit my allegations to a board, not the OSP’s subordinates – Martin Kpebu
3 hours -
‘I’m still a bit traumatised’ – Martin Kpebu recounts alleged abuse during OSP arrest
3 hours -
Martin Kpebu dismisses claims he seeks to become Special Prosecutor
3 hours -
Martin Kpebu denies verbally abusing OSP officers, says allegations are fabricated
3 hours -
Mahama arrives in Doha for 2025 Doha Forum engagements
3 hours -
Milo U13 Champs: Ahafo’s Adrobaa set for thrilling final with Franko International of Western North
5 hours -
Ghana’s HIV crisis: Stigma drives new infections as AIDS Commission bets on AI and six-month injectables
7 hours -
First Ladies unite in Accra to champion elimination of mother-to-child HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B transmission
7 hours -
US Supreme Court agrees to hear case challenging birthright citizenship
8 hours -
Notorious Ashaiman robber arrested in joint police operation
9 hours -
Judge sets key dates after video evidence hurdle in Nana Agradaa appeal case
9 hours
