Game it 9ja’s Debut Chess Esports Showdown 2025

First of it’s kind, a virtual chess battlefield, Wi-Fi blazing, digital pawns sliding into position, and two Nigerian queens holding their own in a fast-paced showdown of brains and boldness.

When Mr. Justice and his team at Game it 9ja launched Nigeria’s first ever online chess esports tournament on June 7, 2025, it wasn’t just a game. 

It was a statement. A massive “we’re here” from Africa’s rising gaming elite. Built by passionate founder Justice, and hosted online by Chilla. Game it 9ja is fast becoming one of the continent’s most exciting hubs for digital competition, and this tournament was proof.

The Face-Off: Game it 9ja 🇳🇬 vs MiniChess254 🇰🇪

It was a friendly but fierce international 5v5 blitz match hosted on lichess.org.  Five (5) minutes per player. Blink and you miss a move.

Two countries. Ten players. One goal: checkmate, baby!

The match featured Game it 9ja representing Nigeria and MiniChess254 repping Kenya. It was the first of its kind and had fans across both nations glued to their screens, rooting for their best.

Leading Ladies Take the Stage

Let’s talk about the stars who stole the spotlight. Two phenomenal young Nigerian women stepped up and made their presence felt.

First, there’s Sandra Omoruyiosarugne, a 15-year-old chess prodigy from Benin City who’s been playing since the age of eight. While most of us were still figuring out how to spell “rook,” Sandra was already outmaneuvering adults.

Then there’s Zainab, known online as Rubypinky. Originally from Kaduna and currently studying in Ilorin, Kwara State, she’s smart, strategic, and has a killer game face.

So how did they feel about their debut?

“It was fun and interesting,” they said. “Playing against really smart and fast Kenyan gurus is no joke.”

These ladies made one thing clear. Being female in esports is not a weakness. It’s a power-up.

Although Zainab didn’t make it past the first match, she’s optimistic:

“I have hope that I might still be called back in the finals coming up soon.”

Time Pressure, Talent, and Tenacity

 When asked what challenges they faced? Both Sandra and Zainab admitted that time pressure was their biggest challenge. With just five minutes per player, this wasn’t a game. It was a speedrun on steroids, they said jokingly.

“It was tough,” acknowledged Sandra. “You’ve got strategy, but do you have speed?” Another challenge the team should look into is coordination, but of course first time’s a charm said one of the girls, i’m sure they’ll get better with time.

In Esports, pressure is part of the game. And these young queens showed they’ve got nerves of steel and hearts of champions.

The Bigger Picture for African Esports

This tournament wasn’t just about winners and losers. It was a spark. A glimpse into the future of African digital gaming with Chess inclusive.

As Game it 9ja continues to refine its production, broadcasts, and tournament structure, we’re watching a movement take shape. And it’s one worth rooting for.

We’re proud of our Nigerian players — male and female — who showed up, stood tall, and reminded us all that Africa’s gaming revolution is already underway

Written BY Kaseystarr.

Join the Movement

Want to follow these rising stars and support Nigeria’s booming esports scene? Here’s where to find them:

• Keep up with all the action on Instagram via @esportnigerianews_NG
  
• Follow Zainab, aka Rubypinky, on Instagram at @ruby_thevirtualassistant
  
• Support Sandra on Instagram at @sandracheckmates and catch her on TikTok via @cutebae_sandra
  

And of course, stay plugged in with the tournament organizers at @gameit9ja