Tunde Onakoya fulfills dream at Bernabéu, gifts chessboard to Nigerian ‘football legend’
Football • Feb 21
**Tunde Onakoya Makes Magic at Bernabéu, Gifts Nigerian Football Legend**
Imagine visiting one of the world's most iconic football stadiums, Santiago Bernabéu, in Madrid, Spain. For Nigerian chess master, Tunde Onakoya, this dream came true, and he used the opportunity to spread some Nigerian love. Onakoya, the founder of Chess in Slums Africa, recently shared a thrilling account of his visit to the Bernabéu Stadium on social media, where he was spotted pitchside at Real Madrid's home ground.
During his visit, Onakoya took a thoughtful gesture to gift a custom chessboard to fellow Nigerian and Atletico Madrid forward, Ademola Lookman. The chessboard, emblazoned with the motivational quote "It is possible to do great things from a small place," was a symbol of his appreciation for Lookman's incredible football skills. The Nigerian "legend" has made waves in the football world with his impressive performances for the Super Eagles, a hat-trick in Atalanta's 2024 Europa League final win, and being named the 2024 African best player of the year.
Onakoya's visit to Bernabéu was not just about gifting a chessboard; it was also a celebration of Nigerian talent. He took time to share his passion for chess at a local Madrid chess bar, where he introduced his unique "Ikorodu gambit," inspired by his Lagos roots. This move not only showcased his creativity but also promoted the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria.
The trip comes on the heels of Onakoya's remarkable achievements, including setting a Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon in New York's Times Square in 2024. This bold move aimed to raise funds for children's education, a cause close to his heart.
Tunde Onakoya's visit to Bernabéu and his subsequent gesture to Ademola Lookman have sparked widespread praise, not just for the chess master's sportsmanship but also for his infectious enthusiasm for pursuing one's passions. As he encouraged his followers to do the same, one thing is clear: Onakoya's impact extends far beyond the chessboard, inspiring a new generation of Nigerians to chase their dreams, no matter how small they may seem.