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Mogaji: Abdulsalam Mardiyyah’s Victory Shows Kwara’s Inclusive Sports Growth
Kwara State’s Abdulsalam Mardiyyah has emerged national champion after winning the gold medal in the Female Open category at the Nigeria National Chess Championship, held in Lagos State from 15 to 22 December 2025.
Abdulsalam delivered an outstanding performance throughout the championship, finishing with an impressive 7.5 points from 9 rounds to top the Female Open standings. She sealed her gold-medal triumph in the final round after facing Evbuomwan Henry of Edo State, capping a dominant and consistent campaign.
Reacting to the achievement, the Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Mallam Bolakale Adisa Mogaji, described the victory as a proud moment for the state and attributed the success to the enabling environment created by the Kwara State Government.
Mogaji said the achievement reflects the visionary leadership and sustained investment of AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq in sports development across the state.
“This gold medal is a clear product of the Governor’s commitment to developing sports in Kwara State. His Excellency believes in nurturing talents across all sporting disciplines, including intellectual sports like chess, and this success by Abdulsalam Mardiyyah validates that vision,” Mogaji said.
The Kwara Sports Commission boss further charged the young chess champion to remain focused and take her career beyond the national stage.
“I have advised her to keep it up, remain disciplined, and take this achievement to the international level. Winning nationally is good, but representing Kwara State and Nigeria on the global stage should now be the target,” he added.
Mogaji also encouraged other athletes in the state to draw inspiration from Abdulsalam’s success.
“Others must buckle down, work harder, and stay committed. With dedication and the right mindset, opportunities will always come,” he stated.
The championship featured several age-grade and open categories, bringing together top chess players from across the country. Abdulsalam Mardiyyah’s gold medal stands out as one of Kwara State’s major highlights at the competition, further strengthening the state’s growing reputation in national sports.
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