Following the successful staging of the maiden edition last year, the Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF) has officially announced the 2025 edition of the Ecobank National Schools Team Chess Championship, set to become the largest scholastic chess event ever held in Nigeria.

Over 2,500 students from 450 schools across the country are expected to participate in the high-stakes competition, which boasts a prize pool exceeding N20 million.

At a crowded press briefing held at the Ecobank Pan African Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos, the Vice President of NCF, Prince Adeyinka Adewole, described the upcoming event as a “transformative leap forward” for youth chess in Nigeria.

“In 2024, we made history with the largest youth chess championship Nigeria has ever seen, hosting over 1,200 students. But in 2025, we’re not just raising the bar—we’re completely redefining it,” said Adewole.

The championship, scheduled from June 26 to 28, will feature competitions in three categories: Primary School (12 years and under) – June 26, Secondary School (18 years and under) – June 27 and Tertiary Institutions (open category) – June 28.

Each team will consist of five players, up from four in previous editions, and all games will be played in a Swiss rapid format across six rounds per category. 

Alongside trophies and team prizes, standout individual players on each board will also receive medals and cash awards.

Notably, Bethesda School for the Blind will participate for the first time, with organisers ensuring all necessary tools are in place, demonstrating the competition’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.

In his address, Adewole emphasised the developmental impact of the initiative:

“We are working to register every player without an existing FIDE ID into the international chess database. This is about early exposure and long-term investment in grassroots chess. We firmly believe that to nurture young talent, we must equip them with the tools for success from the outset.”

Speaking at the pre-championship press conference, Ecobank’s Head of Education, Faith and Social Services, Adebukola Ademuluyi, said  

“This championship is part of our broader Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitment to education and youth development. We believe chess cultivates discipline, strategic thinking, and mental resilience—skills vital for any future leader,” she remarked.

With thousands of minds set to meet across the chessboard in Lagos, the 2025 Ecobank National Schools Team Chess Championship is shaping up to be not just the biggest, but the boldest chapter in Nigeria’s scholastic chess history.