On Saturday, Tunde Onakoya, Nigerian chess master, set a new Guinness World Record for the longest marathon chess.

The chestmaster confirmed this in a post on his official X account.

He wrote, “We have done it.

“Let’s demonstrate to the world the incredible power of love. Together, we can make this happen.

Onakoya broke the record of Norwegian players Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad, who played for 56-hour, 9-minute in 2018 and aimed at reaching 58 hours target.

The challenge, which is underway at New York City’s iconic Times Square, has currently exceeded 56 hours and a few minutes and already set him adrift the previous record holders.

The new record holder said his attempt was to raise funds and awareness for providing educational opportunities to underprivileged children across Africa.

In a statement by his foundation, Chess in Slums Africa, Onakoya said he will be joined by his US counterpart, Shawn Martinez.

It read in part, “This record attempt requires a team of two players. Tunde Onakoya (NG) will be facing off against Shawn Martinez (US) for the challenge. Both players hold the title of National Masters.

“This record is for the longest time to continuously play chess. This record is to be mentioned in hours, minutes, and seconds. This record is to be attempted by a team of two players,” it added.

After about 23 hours into the game, Martinez joined to make the new world record.

Meanwhile, Nigerians, including President Bola Tinubu, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Singer Davido, and Adekunle Gold, have all shown support for Onakoya to break the new record.