Dankwambo pledges to expand Nigerian chess via grassroots focus

Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, the President of the Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF), has committed to creating a professional chess ecosystem in Nigeria. His strategy focuses on developing talent from the grassroots level up to elite competition through a structured pathway.

The development plan prioritizes schools, higher education institutions, and local communities. By focusing on these areas, the NCF intends to identify talented players at an early age. These players will receive the necessary coaching, competitive opportunities, and support to advance their skills.

Dankwambo aims to link local participation directly to opportunities at state, national, and international levels. This approach seeks to build an inclusive and dynamic system that supports the growth of the sport across the country.

The federation's objectives align with international trends, such as the FIDE declaration of 2026 as the Year of Chess in Education. This global initiative emphasizes the cognitive and social benefits of integrating chess into learning environments.

Nigeria's standing in the international chess community was recently bolstered by hosting the FIDE World Amateur Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships in Abuja in August 2026. Dankwambo intends to leverage the interest generated by such major events to increase participation among players outside of established circles.

The NCF's broader mandate includes training arbiters and coaches, rating players, and organizing both zonal and national competitions. By strengthening institutional pathways and school-level engagement, the federation hopes to establish a sustainable pipeline of Nigerian players, officials, and coaches for the future.