Nigerian chess master Tunde Onakoya triumphed in a chess match against Nord Motion’s founder and CEO, Oluwatobi Ajayi, earning a brand new car and a brand ambassador role at the automobile firm.
Onakoya, who recently set a Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon, shared the news in a post on X.com on Thursday.
In his post, Onakoya revealed that Ajayi had called him on Wednesday for a chat and chess match, with the enticing offer that Onakoya could choose any car from Nord Motion’s showroom for free if he won.
Despite knowing Ajayi’s strength as a chess player from previous game analyses, Onakoya accepted the challenge. After an hour of intense play, Onakoya emerged victorious from a very complex position.
Expressing his excitement, Onakoya wrote, “This all still feels surreal, but I’m thrilled to announce that I am now a global brand ambassador for Nord Motion motors and the proud owner of a NORD A7 SUV built and assembled in Nigeria.
Life really isn’t scripted, and I’m super grateful to be able to use my gift to inspire the world and affect lives positively. This has inadvertently brought a lot of goodness my way too, and this love is one I’ll never take for granted.”
Tunde also shared a touching story about his family. Before traveling to the United States, he gave his only car to his father, who had sold his taxi 13 years earlier to support Onakoya’s education.
“Just before I traveled to America, I called my dad and gave him my only car. He had sold his taxi so I could pay for my WAEC and JAMB examination fees.
The joy on his face brought tears; it was the least I could do for my parents, who sacrificed everything so I could get an education. It wasn’t clear how I was going to get a new car without spending a fortune, but I had faith.”
