Akwa Ibom Players Shine at World Chess Championship

The sports renaissance sweeping through Akwa Ibom State, has continued to produce major national and international milestones, as two chess players from the state made headlines at the just-concluded FIDE World Amateur Chess Championship held at the Bolton White Event Hall in Abuja.
The two players, Dr. Nsisong Asanga, a medical doctor at Ikot Ekpene General Hospital, and Dr. Uwana Ekpo Ikong, delivered outstanding performances, winning gold and silver medals respectively in their categories at the championship, which attracted players from eight countries across the world.
The championship took place from 4th – 8th August, 2026, the first time the prestigious FIDE World Amateur Rapid and Blitz Chess Championship was staged in Africa, making the achievement of the Akwa Ibom players even more significant. Winners across the various categories, including Dr. Asanga and Dr. Ikong, also received a share of the €30,000 prize money at stake.
Dr. Nsisong Asanga emerged as one of the biggest stars of the championship, winning two gold medals in the Rapid and Blitz events after successfully navigating 11 rounds of games over five days.
Her compatriot, Dr. Uwana Ekpo Ikong, also put up an impressive performance, securing a silver medal in the Men’s Rapid event after completing 11 games during the five-day competition.
Dr. Asanga’s latest achievement adds to an impressive record of excellence representing Akwa Ibom State. At the 2011 National Sports Festival in Port Harcourt, she won two gold medals for the state. She also claimed gold at the NBL Chess Championship, where she won seven consecutive rounds.
The latest international success of the two chess players further underscores the depth of sporting talent in Akwa Ibom State and the growing prominence of the state on the national and international sports scene.
In his reaction, the Honourable Commissioner for sports, Elder Paul Bassey, commended the duo for the lofty feats. According to him, victory is what the state looks out for in every sporting contest nationally and internationally.
“You have done well. This is the kind of news His Excellency the Governor would love to hear as it brings pride to the state in the commitment to develop sports generally. Congratulations”.
While giving thumbs up to the Akwa Ibom State Chess Association for its devotion to the game, the commissioner appreciated the state Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno for his unrelenting support in the general development of sports in the state.
With the remarkable achievements of Dr. Nsisong Asanga and Dr. Uwana Ekpo Ikong, Akwa Ibom’s emergence as a major sports hub in Nigeria continues to gather momentum, complementing the efforts of the state government under the leadership of Pastor Umo Eno and his ARISE Agenda.