Nigerian chess master, Tunde Onakoya, on Saturday, achieved his dream of setting a new Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon after clocking the 58 hours target he set out to achieve.

Onakoya achieved the feat when he broke the record set in 2018 by Norwegian chess masters, Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad, who played for 56 hours, 9 minutes.

After reaching the 58-hour mark, Onakoya announced that he was pushing to get to 60 hours.

Onakoya is also using the chess-a-thon challenge which is taking place at New York City’s iconic Times Square to raise $1 million for his charity, “Gift of Chess and Chess in Slums Africa,” an organisation he has used to uplift children from impoverished backgrounds in Africa.

The new GWR holder confirmed the great feat in a post on his official X account where he wrote:

“We have done it. We’re pushing to 60 hours guys. We’re not stopping yet. Let’s keep going.

“We have a fundraising goal to meet for the education of African children around the world. This is our why – the reason we are doing this.

“Let’s demonstrate to the world the incredible power of love. Together, we can make this happen”.

A statement by his foundation, “Chess in Slums Africa”, said Onakoya would be joined by his US counterpart, Shawn Martinez.

“This record attempt requires a team of two players. Tunde Onakoya (NG) will be facing off against Shawn Martinez (US) for the challenge. Both players hold the title of National Masters.

“Shawn Martinez, a US National Master, renowned New York City chess legend, and chess coach, poses as a formidable adversary. Both Tunde Onakoya and Shawn Martinez will hold the record title.

“This record is for the longest time to continuously play chess. This record is to be mentioned in hours, minutes, and seconds. This record is to be attempted by a team of two players,” the statement added.

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.