Team Nigeria is set to resume its campaign at the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, with both the men’s and women’s teams targeting crucial victories in Round 7 following painful setbacks.
The men’s team, sitting on six match points after three wins and three losses, faces North African rivals Libya in the Open section. The Nigerian squad suffered a devastating 4-0 sweep against a formidable Vietnam side in Round 6, derailing their initial momentum. However, boasting a higher team rating average of 2282 compared to Libya’s 2034, top stars like Bomo Lovet Kigigha, Abdulrahman Akintoye Abdulraheem, Odion Aikhoje, and Odey Goodness Ekunke will look to re-establish dominance and climb the standings.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s women’s team is equally eager to halt a winless run when they take on 105th-seeded Suriname. The ladies enter Round 7 looking to bounce back after a tough 3-1 defeat to Austria and a 2-2 draw with the Czech Republic in recent rounds. Standout star Michelle Chiamaka Nwankwo—who has been in stellar form with 4.5 points from six games—alongside teammate Bridget Michael, will lead the charge for victory against a confident Suriname side fresh off a win over Malawi.
With five rounds remaining before the grand finale on September 27, Round 7 serves as a vital turning point for both Nigerian teams to regain composure, make tactical adjustments, and finish strong on the international stage.
Can Team Nigeria pull off a double triumph today in Samarkand? Drop your predictions in the comments below!
