Coach Bomo seeks funding for Ekunke's FIDE Chess Olympiad trip

Bayelsa State chess coach Kigigha Bomo has appealed for financial support to ensure 14-year-old Goodness Ekunke can participate in the upcoming FIDE Olympiad in Uzbekistan. Despite Ekunke's recent success at the FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Championship in Abuja, a lack of funding threatens his ability to attend the global tournament.

Ekunke secured his qualification for the Olympiad three months ago after securing a third-place finish at the national selection trials in Lagos. He is joined in the qualification pool by female prodigy Quickpen Deborah. The team is scheduled to depart on September 12 and arrive in Uzbekistan on September 15, but Bomo noted that these travel plans remain unconfirmed due to insufficient funds for logistics.

Bomo, who is also the foster father of Ekunke, stated that his current contributions as a civil servant are not enough to cover the necessary costs. He is seeking assistance from the government, corporate organizations, and private individuals to facilitate the trip. The coach emphasized that the player requires grandmaster training, electronic devices, and specialized software to improve his preparation.

Financial constraints have already impacted other players, including Deborah, who was unable to compete in the recent World Rapid & Blitz Championship in Abuja due to a lack of sponsorship. Bomo suggested that her participation in that event could have resulted in a female world championship title.

Ekunke's recent performance in Abuja saw him stand out among other players from Bayelsa State, including the Bayefa family members Oyinleperemor, Miebi, and Eniye. The coach maintains that while the government has supported sports development, additional resources are required to meet the demands of the highest level of international team competition.