BY RITA OYIBOKA
MEET Perpetual Ogbiyoyo, a remarkable Chess virtuoso who has clinched the title of National Women’s Chess Champion of Nigeria not once, but twice! A native of Ughelli in Delta State, Perpetual shared insights on her inspiring journey, passion for chess and vision for the future of the game in Nigeria.
For those who don’t know you, can you share a bit about your background
My name i s Pe rpe tua l Ogbiyoyo. I am a professional chess athlete, a two-time chess champion, and the founder of Promoting Queens Chess Foundation, a nonprofit that aims to empower women and young girls through chess. I am from Ughelli, Delta State but was born in Maiduguri, Borno State on June 26, 1997.
My parents fled Maiduguri in December 2000 due to religion-related violence that broke out because of the newly introduced Sharia Law. The issue escalated with churches being burnt and Christians becoming targets of extremists. My parents, who were Christians, feared for our lives and so fled to Edo State. That’s how I grew up in Benin until I went to Rivers State for my university education. After graduating, I decided to remain in Port-Harcourt. Maybe that is more because I believe in being my own person and finding my own path.
People describe me as quiet. I think I am but I can be very talkative when I am with people that I feel comfortable around. I like to be simple and straightforward. I love playing the guitar and I enjoy singing and dancing when no one is watching!
I have two siblings, a younger sister and an older brother. Our mom, whom I love very much is still kicking. We lost my dad in 2017. He was sick for a while. At first, we were told he had cerebral malaria, then he began to have some psychological issues. Afterwards, things got out of hand and he was depressed for a long time. We miss him but my mother did a great job filling in. She always taught us that nothing comes easy, that we have to work for what we have. She was a fashion designer and we all worked for her. I had a target to sew a number of clothes for her and got paid for this. I used the money I made to buy a guitar.
How did you get into chess amidst all that?
I got into chess during my time at the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State. During a strike, I needed something to keep busy and started playing with my housemates. Soon, I had no one to play with because I beat them all. I then heard about the University’s Sports Team for Chess players, which represents the school in competitions and provides a hostel where athletes can stay for free. I began to play more regularly with professionals in the hostel, sometimes playing all through the night. There were occasions when I would win only one out of ten matches, but I was content because I was making progress.
How long did it take for you to get to the pro level?
I cannot specify the exact timeframe. As a child, I was familiar with the moves and chess pieces from casual online play, but I had to develop my strategy. Even now, I am still learning and will continue to do so.
What have been your achievements so far? Take us through your journey to becoming Nigeria’s top female player.
I have been playing competitive chess since 2015. My first tournament was at the Nigerian University Games in Makurdi in 2017, where I won the silver and gold medals for the school. When I participated in this tournament, I had just lost my dad but I didn’t let that stop me. I continued to participate in other tournaments and my ratings were established in 2018 and I was the top player, it was quite shocking because nobody knew me then. I went on to represent Nigeria in various competitions, including the National Sports Festival. The pinnacle of my career was winning the National Chess Championship in both 2021 and 2022. In 2023, I decided to take a break from competitive chess for personal reasons.
What drives your love for chess and how has it impacted you?
Chess has had a significant impact on my life. I often wonder what I would be doing if it weren’t for chess. It has given me a new perspective on life. I apply the lessons I learn from chess in my daily life. Additionally, I have been able to make connections, find opportunities, and travel the world by playing the game. The first time I ever boarded a plane was because of chess.
What is your favourite chess piece?
In the past, I used to favour the Queen because of its value, but now I prefer the Knight for its sneakiness and versatility. I believe it is underrated.
Talking about being underrated, have you ever been underestimated in the game because of your gender? If so, how do you handle it?
On several occasions, I’ve had guys boast that I couldn’t defeat them because I’m a woman. I would just smile and then give them the beating of their life. Last year, at a tournament in Abu Dhabi, I tried to shake hands with my opponent, who happened to be a young boy, before the game, but he refused to take my hand. I assumed that maybe he doesn’t shake hands with women from where he comes from. I don’t take it personally and sometimes, it’s just banter.
Do you intend on breaking a Guinness World Record in Chess like Tunde Onakoya?
Not exactly but I intend to be the First Nigerian Chess Grandmaster.
What are your thoughts on the development of chess in Nigeria?
Chess has made significant strides in Nigeria, but there is still ample room for growth. The game has garnered considerable attention thanks to individuals like Tunde Onakoya. Children are starting to take an interest in the game, and some schools are integrating it into their curriculum. Chess is more than just a game; its strategic decisions can teach valuable life skills. The National Chess Championship of Nigeria has helped elevate the status of chess, and I look forward to seeing more initiatives like this in the future.
What are your challenges as a Nigerian Chess Player?
The major challenge is sponsorship and funding. Major sports such as football are particularly attractive to potential sponsors due to their large audiences and widespread popularity.
Common misconceptions about the sport.
Many people confuse chess with checkers. When I first started playing, many thought it was a worthless and unserious pursuit. However, it’s possible to have a full-time career in chess through tournaments, coaching, establishing an online presence, and more. With creativity, it’s possible to make a living from it.
Where do you dream of playing chess in the future and who do you look forward to playing with?
I don’t know for now. I dream of playing all over the world and experiencing diverse cultures. However, I hope to one day play with Hungarian Chess Grandmaster, Judith Polgar.
Apart from Chess, what other venture do you engage in?
I have a nonprofit, Promoting Queens Chess Foundation. I guess my life revolves around the game.
What advice would you give to aspiring young players, especially girls, who want to follow in your footsteps?
Believe in yourself, work hard, and never give up on your passion. Chess is a game of strategy, creativity and skill, and with dedication, anyone can excel. Don’t be afraid to take on challenges – they’ l l make you stronger and better.
