Nigerian chess players are confident of making a strong showing at the 46th FIDE World Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

Nigeria is represented by 10 players, five men and five women, at the competition which runs from September 15 to 27.

Nigeria’s number-one chess player, Abdulrahman Abdulraheem, says the team has a strong mix of experienced players and young talents and is targeting a category medal.

One of the youngest members of the team is 15-year-old Ekunke Goodness, who is making his Olympiad debut after winning the World Rapid Amateur Chess Championship in Abuja last month.

Goodness says he is not feeling pressured and is determined to perform at his best on the global stage.

The women’s team also features teenage player Michelle Nwankwo, while Deborah Quickpen says her preparations have given her confidence ahead of the tournament.

The Olympiad features a record 400 national teams competing in the Open and Women’s sections, with Team Nigeria beginning its campaign today.