Akwa Ibom is firmly establishing itself as a powerhouse in the national and international sports arena. This growing reputation for excellence was recently solidified at the prestigious FIDE World Amateur Chess Championship, where two brilliant minds from the state captured the world’s attention.
Held at the Bolton White Event Hall in Abuja between the 4th and 8th of August, 2026, the tournament was a landmark event. As Zoyols News observes, it was the first time this high-level competition was hosted on African soil, bringing together elite chess talent from eight different countries to compete for a prize pool of €30,000.
Among the standout performers were Dr. Nsisong Asanga, a medical doctor serving at Ikot Ekpene General Hospital, and Dr. Uwana Ekpo Ikong. Dr. Asanga proved to be the star of the tournament, securing two gold medals in the Rapid and Blitz categories after a grueling five-day competition that saw her navigate 11 rounds of play. Her colleague, Dr. Ikong, matched this intensity by securing a silver medal in the Men’s Rapid event.
For Dr. Asanga, these latest wins are merely an extension of a storied career. Her history of success includes a pair of gold medals at the 2011 National Sports Festival and an impressive seven-game winning streak at the NBL Chess Championship.
The Honourable Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, was quick to celebrate the duo. He noted that their success aligns perfectly with the state’s broader ambition to dominate in every sporting discipline. According to him, this is exactly the kind of achievement that brings immense joy to the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, who has made sports development a key pillar of his administration.
The Commissioner also extended his gratitude to the Akwa Ibom State Chess Association for their dedication to the craft and praised the Governor for his consistent backing of athletes through his administration’s ARISE Agenda.
This international triumph serves as a clear signal that Akwa Ibom has become a legitimate hub for sporting talent in Nigeria. The performance of these two chess champions underscores a vital reality for the state: with the right level of investment and strategic support, Akwa Ibom will continue to produce world-class athletes who are ready to shine on any global stage.
