Nigerians have praised founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, after he shared a video of himself playing chess at the Louvre Museum in Paris while dressed in cultural attire.
Onakoya posted the video on his social media pages on Sunday, where he described the moment as a personal milestone.
First Nigerian to play chess at the Louvre 🇫🇷-The world’s most prestigious museum. pic.twitter.com/nej2WzpBRo
— Tunde Onakoya (@Tunde_OD) April 19, 2026
He wrote, “First Nigerian to play chess at the Louvre. The world’s most prestigious museum. They should probably hang this Agbada in the Louvre as well
“Shot and edited by the incredibly talented @anishmediaintl
“Styled by my amazing brother @bayo.adeniyi_ . None of this would have been possible without you. Thank you
“Special thanks to my good man @attorneyf and the genius @cassidyvelmech . We created magic with the photography and I can’t wait to share them with the world.”
In the video, Onakoya was seen in agbada playing casual chess games at the Louvre Pyramid, one of the most recognised landmarks in Paris.
Many Nigerians who reacted to the post praised his appearance, confidence and the way he projected Nigerian culture on an international stage.
An X user, OmoOba Olukokun, wrote, “Keep elevating dear brother, sky is just the beginning, keep writing your name and of your family in the history book of the world 🌎 ❤️.”
Ciano19Media also said, “To me apart from your talent in playing chess, naturally you are great person I love the way you keep pushing yourself beyond and putting our flag in a midst of greatness. Well great!”
Another user, BNJMN, wrote, “Congrats big man. I’m always proud of you whenever I see what you’re doing no matter how big or small it might be. You’re a big motivation to a lot of us and you’ll do greater things for sure.”
EMY P added, “You’re putting us on the map,” while Julian Dumebi Duru commented, “i don’t mind this your outfit o”.
However, some users questioned his claim.
Ike.exe wrote, “How did you know Nigerians had never sat in that museum to play chess?”
Also reacting, chinenye Ada Igbo Biafra said, “But he’s doing that alone! Mon dieu 😦 Una too dey lie! Is like someone sitting alone and doing your things! There’s no competition! He’s just sitting there, and someone is videoing him!”
Another user, Mylo, wrote, “Is it possible to play chess so much that you begin to view life as a chessboard and people as chess pieces? I would like to hear the perspective of a chess master himself.”
The development came shortly after Onakoya was honoured in Barcelona, Spain, as the first African to receive the Lideramos Youth Award for Social Impact.
Sharing the recognition on X earlier in April, he wrote, “Deeply honoured to be recognized in Barcelona, Spain, as the first African to receive the Lideramos Youth Award for Social Impact.
“I used the moment to share one of my favorite stories of the little hummingbird against the great forest fire”.
Born in Ikorodu, Lagos, Onakoya rose from humble beginnings to become a national chess master and a global advocate for social change.
Through Chess in Slums Africa, he uses the game to empower children from disadvantaged communities through education and mentorship.
He also holds Guinness World Records for the longest chess marathon, achieved in 2024 and 2025.
