Chess Clash in Yola: 64 Students Battle for Glory at Senator Binos Yaroe Tournament

Chess Clash in Yola: 64 Students Battle for Glory at Senator Binos Yaroe Tournament

The intellectual battlefield was set this week as 64 young chess players from 17 secondary schools across the Yola metropolis converged for the 3rd Edition of the Senator Binos Yero Secondary Schools Chess Tournament held at the nurse’s house in Yola.

The one-day competition, organized by the Queen Vee Chess Academy in partnership with the Nigerian Schools Sports Federation, aims to promote strategic thinking and discipline among students.

With the ultimate prize of representing Adamawa State at the 2026 National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State, the atmosphere was tense as players engaged in a fierce battle of wits.

Founder of the Queen Vee Chess Academy, Vivian Ibrahim, urged the competitors to look beyond the trophies. In her remarks, she emphasized the core values of the game. “I urge you all to play with passion and genuine interest,” Ibrahim told the participants. “Chess is not just about moving pieces; it is all about patience, discipline, and strategic thinking. These are virtues that will help you both on the board and in the classroom.”

The tournament’s sponsor, Senator Binos Yaroe, a chess player himself, shared a personal connection to the game. He encouraged the students to take the competition seriously, highlighting its intellectual benefits for their academic pursuits. While expressing satisfaction with the steady growth of the tournament, Senator Yaroe called on the organizers to aim higher. “We must improve the lots of this event to meet international standards,” he stated, envisioning a future where the competition could attract global attention.

Dignitaries present at the event applauded the organizers for their consistency, noting that bringing the game to the doorstep of secondary schools would significantly boost the sport’s profile in Adamawa State.

As the dust settled after five intense rounds, the arbiters released the results. In a closely contested boys’ category, Hassan Timothy emerged victorious, securing the first-place position. Zamdayi Abel claimed the second spot, while Oluwajuwo Daniel finished third.

The girls’ category saw equally impressive displays of skill, with Rachael David outmaneuvering her opponents to take the gold. Ruth Ishaku followed closely in second place, and Florence Yusuf rounded out the top three.

In the final standings for schools, Future Stars Academy proved to be the institution to beat, emerging as the overall winner of the 3rd Edition. Government Day Secondary School Wauro Jabbe put up a strong fight to secure the second-place position, while Poly Academy completed the podium in third.