Celebrated Nigerian chess master and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, has received a brand new Nord A9 SUV from indigenous automaker Nord Motion.
The vehicle was presented to him following a friendly but intense chess match with the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Oluwatobi Ajayi.
Onakoya shared the heartwarming news via his X account on Thursday, expressing deep gratitude and excitement over the surprise gift.
Alongside photos of the new SUV, he wrote, “Just got home to the most heartwarming surprise from my #nordmotion family—the stunning new Nord A9 SUV… Grateful beyond words.”
He also revealed that the SUV came with an extension of his brand ambassadorial contract with the company. “Proud to extend our partnership as Brand Ambassador for another year. A beauty to behold + made in Nigeria. Thank you #nordmotion for this incredible gift,” Onakoya stated.
In a statement released by Nord Automobiles, the presentation, which took place on May 5, 2025, was described as a celebration of Onakoya’s accomplishments and shared values between the chess champion and the automotive brand, including innovation, excellence, and resilience.
The statement also highlighted a spirited chess match between Onakoya and Ajayi which ended in a draw.
“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,” the company noted.
This is the second time Onakoya has been rewarded with a vehicle from Nord. In June 2024, he won an earlier model SUV after a similar match against Ajayi, which marked the beginning of his ambassadorship with the firm.
Onakoya recently made global headlines in April when he and U.S. chess master Shawn Martinez broke the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon, playing for 64 consecutive hours.
This marked his second time surpassing the record, following a previous 60-hour run earlier in the same month.
With his influence stretching beyond the chessboard, Onakoya continues to inspire millions through his advocacy for education and youth empowerment, using chess as a transformative tool in underserved communities.
The Nord A9 SUV, the latest addition to his journey, stands not only as a personal reward but also as a symbol of local innovation and the potential of African excellence.