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Nigerians drum support for chess master Tunde Onakoya as he attempts to break world record

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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.

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Ghanaian winger Fatawu out for season with ACL injury

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Ghana and Leicester City winger, Abdul Fatawu, has been ruled out of the rest of the EPL season after suffering an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury during Ghana’s 1-1 draw with Angola in a 2025 AFCON match during the international break.

Leicester coach, Steve Cooper, who announced the news on Thursday, said the 20-year-old enterprising player suffered a “serious” knee injury which will see him out for the rest of the season.

“It’s not good, it’s a serious injury,” Cooper said ahead of his side’s home tie against Chelsea on Saturday.

“He’s had an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury that is going to rule him out for the rest of the season. It’s a real blow, first and foremost for him, being a young player and having an injury as serious as what an ACL is.

“Albeit, it can be quite common in sport and in particular football, but it’s still a serious injury. For it to happen at a young age is a blow for him and a blow for us as well.

“He’s obviously a big talent and a young player, as exciting as he can be at his age, with lots to learn.

“It’s only a pause and we will make sure, as difficult as it is at the moment for him, that he comes back being a stronger player and person, which with the mentality and character that he has, I think will be the case,” the gaffer said.

Fatawu has been a key player for the Foxes, helping them gain promotion last season and has played 11 times for them in the league during the present campaign, scoring two goals.

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SA football legend Lucas ‘Masterpieces’ Moripe passes away

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South African football legend, Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe, has passed away at the age of 71 after a long battle with illness.

According to South African media, Moripe lit up the country’s football fields in the 1970s and became a rallying point for football in the country, especially in the apartheid era.

“Moripe, who mesmerised opponents and spectators alike during an injury ravaged career, spent his last years confined to a wheelchair after suffering a stroke, and died at his home on Tuesday at the age of 71,” one media report said.

“Moripe, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players the country has produced by those who saw him play, was called “the god of football”’ by adoring fans during the early 1970s in a nod to his natural talents.

“He was feared by defenders and goalkeepers and his style of play was synonymous with flair, finesse and the golden era of South African football.

“In recent years Moripe was confined to a wheelchair after suffering a mild stroke that was worsened by the effects of a long-term knee injury that stopped his playing career in the late 1980s.

“Throughout his career, Moripe played for the Orlando Pirates and the Pretoria Callies, winning the respect of both teammates and supporters.

“In 2010, the Atteridgeville Super Stadium was renamed the Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe Stadium in honor of his noteworthy achievements to South African football. Major football games are still held at this stadium, which now stands as a tribute to his legacy.

“Moripe’s career highlights include leading Pretoria Callies to victory against top clubs and earning the 1973 NPSL Player of the Year and Sportsman of the Year titles.

“He also played internationally for Caroline Hill in Hong Kong and briefly for Orlando Pirates. Persistent knee injuries ended his playing career in the late 1980s.”

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