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Atiku Abubakar, the former vice-president of Nigeria, has joined countless Nigerians at home and abroad in backing renowned chess master Tunde Onakoya as he endeavors to set the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon at Times Square in New York.

Onakoya officially commenced the marathon on Wednesday, announcing the start through his X account with the caption, “Game time.”

He also added, “We haven’t even started yet and Nigerians are already trooping into camp out with me.”

In a tweet via his X handle on Thursday, Atiku backed Onakoya to break new ground.

He wrote: “Dear @Tunde_OD, I join millions of Nigerians at home and abroad in wishing you the best in your quest to break the Guinness World Record for the Longest Chess Marathon. Your can-do spirit thus far has been truly inspirational. I am rooting for you to break new ground. -AA.”

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Also, on his part, Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu backed Onakoya to break the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon.

He wrote on X, “Every grand victory starts with a single, bold move akin to a daring gambit—a bold move to redefine possibilities.

“@Tunde_OD; Lagos is rooting for you as you attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon at Times Square in the heart of New York.

“Taking the story of the phenomenal work you started in Lagos with young children to a global stage is a powerful testament to how greatness can emerge from anywhere.”

Tunde Onakoya remains unbeaten after 16 hours in chess marathon

In the latest development, Onakoya has secured victory in all his matches thus far, including his contest against New York’s National Chess Master, Shawn Martinez.

An update posted on his X handle early Thursday stated, “Tunde Onakoya beats a very worthy opponent and one of New York’s finest, National Chess Master Shawn Martinez!”

Onakoya’s manager, who goes by the X handle “OgaBoxx,” has shared details about the challenge.

Taiwo explained that after engaging in 15 hours of continuous play against 12 opponents, Onakoya adhered to the rules by taking a cumulative break of 30 minutes. The rules require a five-minute break for every hour of play.

Additionally, Taiwo mentioned that Onakoya is simultaneously playing two sets of games and must maintain victory in both.