Nigerian chess master Tunde Onakoya has been presented with a brand new Nord A9 SUV by local automaker Nord Motion after a friendly chess match with the company’s CEO, Oluwatobi Ajayi. Onakoya, founder of Chess in Slums Africa, shared his excitement on X.com on Thursday, posting photos of the SUV and thanking the company for the gesture. He wrote, “Just got home to the most heartwarming surprise from my #nordmotion family—the stunning new Nord A9 SUV. Hands down the most beautiful car I’ve ever owned, but even more beautiful is the love behind this incredible gift. Grateful beyond words.
“Of course the only way to get the new car was by not losing this match.”Tunde Onakoya and Oluwatobi Ajayi during a chess match. Credit: X| Tunde_ODThe surprise also included a one-year extension of Onakoya’s ambassadorial deal with the brand.
Onakoya added, “I call #OluwatobiAjayiJ the “Elon” of Africa because while most people only know him for being one of the pioneers made in Nigeria cars, he’s also a great thinker and innovator across board. “Proud to extend our partnership as Brand Ambassador for another year. Up Naija. A beauty to behold + made in Nigeria. Thank you #nordmotion for this incredible gift.”According to a statement released by Nord Automobiles on Wednesday, the SUV presentation took place on May 5, 2025, as a tribute to Onakoya’s global achievements and the shared values of innovation, discipline, and Nigerian excellence.
The statement partly read, “In a fitting tribute to the brand’s spirit of competition, the event included a thrilling chess match between Onakoya and the CEO of Nord Automobiles, Oluwatobi Ajayi. The highly contested game ended in a draw, showcasing the strategic brilliance of both competitors and further cementing their bond.
“The friendly rivalry between Onakoya and Ajayi mirrors the passion, precision, and determination that both individuals embody in their respective fields—Onakoya in chess, and Ajayi in automotive leadership. “As his partnership with Nord continues to grow, this new car serves as a symbol of his extraordinary journey. Just like his record-breaking chess game, Onakoya’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, and with every new challenge, there’s always another car to match the victory—another game, another car.”
The Nord A9 is the second vehicle Onakoya has received from the automaker. PUNCH Online previously reported in June 2024 that he also received a Nord SUV after winning a match against Ajayi, a victory that also earned him a brand ambassador deal.
Earlier in April, Onakoya, along with U.S. chess player Shawn Martinez, officially set a new Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon, clocking 64 hours. It marked Onakoya’s second time breaking the record. In April 2024, the pair completed a 60-hour chess marathon, surpassing the previous 56-hour record held since 2018 by Norwegians Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad.
Source : https://punchng.com/
