In the quiet intensity of the ongoing Nigerian National Chess Competition, one name continues to draw attention from spectators, analysts, and fellow players alike —Akinrogunde Clinton. At just 19 years old, the Edo State-born chess prodigy has announced his arrival on the national stage by finishing top of the Under 20 (U20) category, while simultaneously holding his own in the highly competitive Masters category of the same tournament.
Born on 30 January 2006, the proud Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area representative is a committed member of the Life and Chess Club, Edo State.
His journey has been shaped by focused training, discipline, and strategic mentorship under the guidance of his Manager and Coach, Princess Omoyemwen Adeyinka Afolabi.
Registered with FIDE ID: 8518823, Clinton’s rise has been anything but accidental. His performance at the national championship reflects years of steady progress and competitive exposure, built on an impressive record of tournament successes.
Among his notable achievements are:
—1st Place, IDSDP Benin Chess Championship 2025
b. 2nd Place, Cyntoco International Chess Tournament 2025
c. 1st Place, Edo Heritage Sports Festival and Carnival 2025 (Chess Tournament)
d. Two Gold Medals at the Private University Games 2024
e. Tied for 3rd Place, NCC Opens 2024
f. 1st Place, IDSDP Chess Championship 2023
What sets Clinton apart is not only his growing list of titles, but his fearless transition from youth competition into elite senior play. By competing in the Masters category at the national championship while still eligible for U20 honours, he has demonstrated maturity, composure, and tactical depth beyond his age.
Observers at the tournament describe Clinton as calm under pressure, calculating in complex positions, and relentless in pursuit of victory, all qualities that signal a player ready for international relevance. His coach, Princess Omoyemwen Adeyinka Afolabi, describes his journey as “a powerful example of what vision, structure, and belief can produce in young Edo talents.”
As the Nigerian National Chess Competition continues, Akinrogunde Clinton’s story is still unfolding. Yet one thing is already clear: from the chessboards of the Heartbeat of the Nation —Edo state to the nation’s most prestigious arena, Clinton represents a new generation of Nigerian chess players who are bold, prepared, and ready to compete with the best while keeping the flag of Edo State flying high.