Popular Nigerian chess master, Tunde Onakoya, has revealed how his father sold his car to fund his education 13 years ago.
Onakoya recalled his humble beginnings in a recent post via X while celebrating his new feat as the ambassador for Nord Motion, the automobile company.
The chess champion disclosed that Onakoya Olugbenga, his dad, “sacrificed everything” and sold his taxi to pay his examination fees.
He said he would later compensate his father by gifting him his only car before traveling to the United States.
Onakoya also revealed that he was gifted a new car and made Nord’s ambassador after defeating Oluwatobi Ajayi, the firm’s CEO, in a chess match.
“Just before I traveled to America, I called my dad and gave him my only car. He had sold his taxi 13 years ago so I could pay for my WAEC and JAMB examination fees,” he wrote.
“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. Yesterday, I got a call from @OluwatobiAjayiJ, the CEO of @nordmotion, inviting me to his office for a chat and a chess match.
“During our conversation, he proposed an outrageous deal: if I could beat him, I could choose any car in their showroom for free.
“Knowing he was a strong chess player from our previous game analyses (although we had never played before), I accepted the challenge. After about an hour of intense play, I managed to win from a very complex position.
“This all still feels surreal, but I’m thrilled to announce that I am now a global brand ambassador for @nordmotion 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.”
The ‘Chess In Slums Africa’ founder earlier revealed that his father worked as a bus conductor so they could feed and survive.
On April 17, Onakoya commenced his attempt to break the world record for the longest chess marathon.
He achieved the feat on April 20 at Times Square in New York City after playing for over 58 hours and winning every match.
He earlier disclosed that he grew up in the slums, adding that playing chess allowed him to discover his potential.
The chess master’s dad recently revealed that he had wanted his son to become a doctor.
