Nigerian chess master Tunde Onakoya has personally delivered a custom chessboard to Nigeria’s Super Eagles striker, Ademola Lookman.
Lookman received the board following his strong start at Atletico Madrid, where he scored in the club’s 4‑2 La Liga win over RCD Espanyol at the Wanda Metropolitano on February 21.
Onakoya shared photos of the meeting on X (formerly Twitter), which shows the two compatriots smiling while holding the sleek black chessboard.
The board, part of Onakoya’s NEOCHESS collaboration, features a personalised inscription from Onakoya, expressing admiration for Lookman’s journey and achievements.
Lookman scored in the 58th minute during Atletico Madrid’s 4‑2 win over Espanyol, helping the club extend its unbeaten run in La Liga.
The goal, a diving header at the back post, marked an important contribution in his first six appearances since joining the Spanish side in January.
The handover took place after Lookman invited Tunde Onakoya to attend the match. Images from the meeting show Lookman in an Atletico kit, pointing at the chessboard, while Onakoya wore traditional attire.
Onakoya’s gift reflects the mission of his Chess in Slums Africa initiative, which aims to empower young people through strategic games.
The moment follows Onakoya’s recent visit to Madrid, which included a pitchside appearance at Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu, highlighting Lookman’s rising profile in Spanish football and his continued success with Atlético Madrid this season.
