Nigerian chess champion and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, has shared an emotional account of a life-altering experience from his early childhood.
In a heartfelt reflection, Onakoya revealed that he suffered a serious medical complication as an infant after being administered a wrong injection by a local nurse.
“When I was 9 months old, I was very ill and my mum took me to a local nurse because the hospital was a luxury then 💔,” he said.
According to him, the incorrect treatment led to a severe condition that affected his ability to communicate.
“The nurse gave me a wrong injection, which triggered vascular necrosis… and I could only communicate through chess ♟️😭,” he added.
Onakoya’s story has since inspired many, highlighting not only the challenges he faced growing up but also how he found expression and purpose through chess.
Today, he is widely recognised for using the game as a tool to empower underprivileged children, helping them build confidence and life skills through his initiative.