Pa Onakoya, the father of Nigerian chess prodigy Tunde Onakoya, has expressed surprise and pride in his son’s unexpected rise to prominence in the world of chess. Pa Onakoya revealed that he had initially discouraged Tunde from pursuing chess, preferring him to focus solely on his academics.
Recalling Tunde’s childhood, Pa Onakoya disclosed that whenever he spotted his son engrossed in a game of chess, he would intervene and encourage him to prioritize his studies. However, Tunde’s determination and passion for chess eventually prevailed.
Tunde Onakoya made headlines on April 20 when he shattered the Guinness World Record for the longest-ever chess marathon, clocking an impressive 60 hours of continuous play at Times Square in New York, United States. His remarkable achievement surpassed the previous record set by Norwegian players in 2018.
In a heartfelt video shared on Oyindamola’s X handle, Pa Onakoya expressed admiration for his son’s resilience and unwavering commitment to his goals. He described Tunde as an “angel” with a steadfast determination to succeed in whatever he sets his mind to.
Reflecting on his initial skepticism towards Tunde’s passion for chess, Pa Onakoya offered words of encouragement to parents, urging them not to discourage their children from pursuing their passions. He admitted that while he had hoped for Tunde to pursue a career in medicine, he now recognizes the value and impact of Tunde’s dedication to chess.
Tunde Onakoya’s remarkable feat has not only brought pride to his family but has also garnered attention and admiration from the global chess community. His perseverance serves as an inspiration to aspiring chess players and underscores the importance of pursuing one’s passions despite initial skepticism or challenges.
