Renowned Nigerian chess master, coach, and social entrepreneur Tunde Onakoya has presented a personalized custom chessboard to Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman, celebrating the footballer's exceptional talent, resilience, and rising global influence.
The heartfelt gesture took place shortly after Atlético Madrid's impressive 4-2 victory over RCD Espanyol at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium on Saturday, February 22, 2026. Lookman, who recently joined the La Liga club, scored his first league goal for Atlético a powerful header from a corner in the second half, helping secure the win and extending the team's unbeaten run. The goal marked a milestone, with Lookman now contributing significantly in his early appearances for the Rojiblancos.
The gift symbolizes the shared essence of strategy, discipline, and brilliance that links chess and football. Onakoya, founder of Chess in Slums Africa and a passionate advocate for using chess to empower underprivileged youth, described the presentation as a tribute to excellence and national pride.
“This is more than a gift—it’s a symbol of pride in what our young people can achieve through discipline, vision, and hard work,” Onakoya said. “From the chessboard to the football pitch, strategy and brilliance know no borders. Ademola Lookman continues to inspire millions, and I’m honored to celebrate his impact.”
Lookman, who has quickly adapted to life in La Liga after his high-profile transfer, expressed gratitude for the thoughtful gesture that bridges two worlds of mastery.
The encounter underscores the growing connections among Nigerian icons across sports, intellectual pursuits, and social impact initiatives. Onakoya, who set a Guinness World Record in 2025 for the longest chess marathon to spotlight his mission, continues to highlight Nigerian and African excellence on the global stage.
Lookman's strong start at Atlético Madrid, including multiple goals and assists across competitions, has further boosted his reputation as one of Africa's premier talents. The meeting has been widely celebrated on social media and in Nigerian media as a moment of unity and inspiration for the nation's youth.
The heartfelt gesture took place shortly after Atlético Madrid's impressive 4-2 victory over RCD Espanyol at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium on Saturday, February 22, 2026. Lookman, who recently joined the La Liga club, scored his first league goal for Atlético a powerful header from a corner in the second half, helping secure the win and extending the team's unbeaten run. The goal marked a milestone, with Lookman now contributing significantly in his early appearances for the Rojiblancos.
Onakoya, invited by Lookman himself to attend the match, delivered the sleek black chessboard crafted in collaboration with NEOCHESS, featuring a special personalized inscription expressing admiration for Lookman's remarkable journey and achievements on the pitch. Sharing photos of the moment on X (formerly Twitter), Onakoya wrote: “One chessboard delivered to Africa’s best, Ademola Lookman @Alookman_. He invited me to watch the game and scored a brilliant header.”
The gift symbolizes the shared essence of strategy, discipline, and brilliance that links chess and football. Onakoya, founder of Chess in Slums Africa and a passionate advocate for using chess to empower underprivileged youth, described the presentation as a tribute to excellence and national pride.
“This is more than a gift—it’s a symbol of pride in what our young people can achieve through discipline, vision, and hard work,” Onakoya said. “From the chessboard to the football pitch, strategy and brilliance know no borders. Ademola Lookman continues to inspire millions, and I’m honored to celebrate his impact.”
Lookman, who has quickly adapted to life in La Liga after his high-profile transfer, expressed gratitude for the thoughtful gesture that bridges two worlds of mastery.
The encounter underscores the growing connections among Nigerian icons across sports, intellectual pursuits, and social impact initiatives. Onakoya, who set a Guinness World Record in 2025 for the longest chess marathon to spotlight his mission, continues to highlight Nigerian and African excellence on the global stage.
Lookman's strong start at Atlético Madrid, including multiple goals and assists across competitions, has further boosted his reputation as one of Africa's premier talents. The meeting has been widely celebrated on social media and in Nigerian media as a moment of unity and inspiration for the nation's youth.