Nigerians from all walks of life, including politicians, captains of industry and celebrities, have drummed up support for chess master, Tunde Onakoya, as he attempts to break the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon in New York City.

The Nigerian chess prodigy is set to play until at least 20:00 New York time on Friday, which will see him clock 58 hours and surpass the world record of 56 hours, nine minutes, and 37 seconds, which was set by Norwegian duo of Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad in 2018.

The 29-year-old Onakoya has so far gone beyond the existing record of 56 hours set in 2018 as he also aims to raise $1 million for his charity, “Gift of Chess and Chess in Slums Africa,” an organisation he has used as a vehicle to uplift children from impoverished backgrounds in Africa.

Onakoya who began his quest during the week, was aiming to play chess nonstop for 58 hours in New York City’s Times Square to break the global record for the longest chess marathon.

His audacious attempt has elicited support from his countrymen including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, business mogul Tony Elumelu and popular Nigerian Afrobeats star, Davido, who paid him a visit on Wednesday to give him moral support.

“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,” Shettima posted on X on Thursday.

“Lagos is rooting for you. This is a powerful testament to how greatness can emerge from anywhere,” Sanwo-Olu said in a personal message to Onakoya.

The Nigerian community in New York has rallied behind their compatriot, providing Onakoya with music and energising him with supplies of classic Nigerian dishes, including Nigeria’s beloved national staple food, the jollof rice.

Some top clubs in Europe and Asia have been put on alert as Super Eagles and Chippa United goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, is reportedly getting set to make a decision on his future as he will be a free agent at the end of this season.

Nwabali who led Nigeria to the finals of the 2023 Afcon before losing to host Cote d’Ivoire, has been a subject of transfer speculations in his last year at the South African club.

Shortly after the Afcon, there were rumours that the former Katsina United safe hands who joined Chippa United in 2022 was on the verge of teaming up with a club in Saudi Arabia in a deal that was reported to be worth millions of dollars but the speculations died down as there was no concrete for him.

However, after some excellent showings at club level since the continental championship, the 27-year-old shot-stopper’s value has continued to rise and with his contract running out at the end of the current season, some big clubs in Europe and Asia have indicated interest in signing him.

According to reports from South Africa’s Soccer Laduma, Nwabali will not sign an extension with Chippa United at the end of the season, potentially making him available on a free transfer.

“This would be particularly appealing to clubs like Kaizer Chiefs, Queens Park Rangers, Union SG, and Al Ettifaq, who have all been credited with a move for the Nigerian,” the sports journal said.

“While a move to Saudi Arabia might present better financial incentives, Nwabali is reportedly keen on testing his talents in Europe and a move to Union SG or QPR could end up being the best option for him.”