Despite being relatively unknown, 17-year-old Ferdinand Tersee Nyuima captivated everyone at the inaugural National School Board Games, organised by the Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF), in collaboration with the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB). The two-day tournament, which featured over 300 students from across the country, saw Nyuima emerge as the standout performer.
 
In the presence of notable dignitaries such as the Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun; National Sports Commission (NSC) representative, Lanre Ogunjobi; LASUBEB Chairman, Dr. Hakeem Shittu; and NSSF President, Olabisi Joseph, Nyuima demonstrated why he is considered Nigeria’s top chess player. The Senior Secondary 3 student of Lagos-based Platform College, clinched the boys’ U-18 championship title, outclassing all other contenders.
 
Even before Nyuima was declared the winner, the Vice President of the Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF), Adeyinka Adewole, introduced him to the audience, who were thrilled by the presence of such a star. When the Benue State-born athlete was announced as the winner, it felt like a coronation of a chess king.
 
Speaking at the end of the competition, Alli-Balogun expressed pride in hosting the event and pledged continued support for future editions. He also commended the collaboration between NSSF and LASUBEB, urging similar partnerships nationwide to foster sports development.
 
Ogunjobi, representing NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko, highlighted the alignment of the event with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and promised ongoing support for NSSF programs to promote healthy sports rivalry among young people. The LASUBEB Chairman, Dr. Shittu was particularly pleased with the event’s success and vowed to make future editions even bigger.