The 2026 Zone 4.2 (West Africa) Chess Championships in Lomé, Togo, has officially come alive, bringing together a rich blend of experience, youthful ambition, and regional pride. Hosted at the serene and welcoming Hotel Ecole Lebene, the championship is already delivering excitement and setting the tone for what promises to be a memorable edition of West Africa’s premier chess event.
The Games can be followed via the link below: https://lichess.org/broadcast/zone-42-individual-open-championship-2026-lome/round-2/tqGWpFUd#boards
A Championship of Regional Unity
This year’s tournament has drawn participants from across eight (8) member Federations from the Zone 4.2’s thirteen (13) member bloc, including Nigeria, Ghana, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Guinea. The diversity of federations represented, reinforces the championship’s reputation as a unifying platform for chess in West Africa.
At the championship in Lome, a total of 36 players are participating in the Open section, representing eight (8) federations within Zone 4.2. The distribution is as follows:
Burkina Faso (BUR) – 1 player
Ivory Coast (CIV) – 5 players
Ghana (GHA) – 8 players
Guinea (GUI) – 2 players
Mali (MLI) – 1 player
Nigeria (NGR) – 4 players
Niger (NIG) – 8 players
Togo (TOG) – 7 players
The presence of these federations highlights the growing inclusiveness of Zone 4.2 chess, where both established and emerging nations are actively contributing to the region’s development.
Leadership and Organization
The tournament’s smooth organization is a testament to the efforts of Chief Organizer Bruno Botsoe, whose coordination has ensured a conducive playing environment for all participants.
Overseeing the technical side of the competition is Chief Arbiter Olalekan Adeyemi, a respected international figure and FIDE Vice President. His presence guarantees professionalism, adherence to international standards, and fair play throughout the championship.
Seeded Players and Tournament Dynamics
The championship features a number of highly rated and experienced players occupying the top seeds. These include national champions, Olympiad representatives, and seasoned competitors who bring both skill and experience to the board.
The Swiss system ensures that early results can significantly influence pairings and standings, adding an extra layer of intensity to each game.
Early Highlight: Ghanaian Encounter (First Game to End)
The tournament quickly produced its first decisive moment. The first game to finish came on Board 6, featuring an all-Ghanaian clash between Bernard Anhwere, a former national champion, and the rising youngster Singh Manoom.
In the middlegame phase, Anhwere secured a favorable material imbalance, a knight and bishop in exchange for a rook and pawn. Demonstrating superior coordination and experience, he converted this advantage into a convincing win.
This early result not only set the tone for the tournament but also emphasized the enduring importance of experience, even in a field filled with ambitious young talents.
Women’s Section: Adjusted Format
In the Women’s category, the number of participants stands at 12 players, leading to a necessary adjustment in format. Instead of the originally planned nine rounds, the event will now be contested over seven rounds.
The Women’s games officially begin today, April 26, ensuring a structured and balanced schedule. Despite the smaller field, the competition is expected to be intense, with each round carrying significant importance in determining the final standings.
Opening Ceremony and Institutional Support
The championship was ushered in with a mini opening ceremony, which, though modest, carried significant symbolic value. Representative of The Minister of Sports, Mr. AGANO Kodzo Dogbéda, who is also the Secretary General of The Ministry of Sports and Leisure, was present at the opening ceremony, demonstrating government support for the event, which reinforces the importance of chess as an intellectual and a significantly valuable sport in the country.
Such recognition plays a vital role in the growth of chess across the region, providing federations with encouragement and legitimacy as they continue to develop the game.
Lomé as Host City
Lomé once again proves to be a fitting host for a tournament of this magnitude. The choice of Hotel Ecole Lebene offers a comfortable and focused environment for players, while the city itself provides a vibrant and culturally rich backdrop.
Togo’s successful hosting of the championship reflects its growing role in the West African chess landscape and its commitment to promoting the game.
Conclusion
The 2026 Zone 4.2 Chess Championships has begun on a strong and promising note. With 36 players from eight federations, capable leadership under President Ndjelle Abby Edah, Chief Organizer, Botsoe Bruno, ATOJESTRA Club Founder and President, Abalou Bitchareou Bodjona and the entire organizing team, the early excitement highlighted by the victory of Bernard Anhwere, upsets experienced and delivered, the tournament reflects the steady growth of chess in West Africa.
As the rounds progress, the competition is expected to intensify, with top seeds striving to assert dominance and underdogs aiming to make their mark. By the end of the championship, new champions will emerge, but beyond that, the event will once again showcase the unity, diversity, and rising strength of chess in Zone 4.2.
