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  Deborah Quickpen, an 11-year-old girl from Bayelsa, Nigeria, has taken the chess world by storm with her exceptional skills and achievements. Despite coming from a humble background, where her parents struggled to pay for her education, Deborah’s talent and dedication have propelled her to become a rising star in the world of chess.
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Deborah’s journey began at the tender age of three when she was discovered by Guinness World Record holder, Tunde Onakoya’s good friend and Nigeria’s current national champion, Bomo Kigigha. Since then, Kigigha has been coaching Deborah, nurturing her natural talent and helping her develop her skills. In 2018, at a very young age, Deborah made history by becoming the youngest athlete to ever participate in the National Sports Festival, representing Bayelsa state. Her exceptional performance at the festival was just the beginning of her remarkable achievements. Deborah’s talent shone even brighter at the National Youth Games, where she won an astounding 18 out of 18 games, securing three gold medals. This feat made her the youngest person to achieve such a remarkable record in the history of the games. Her success continued when she participated in the Under-10 African Youth Chess Championship in Accra, Ghana. Deborah emerged victorious, becoming the youngest Nigerian female player to be conferred the Woman Candidate Master title, a significant milestone in her young career. Recognizing her incredible talent and potential, the Bayelsa State Governor, Sen Douye Diri, appointed Deborah as the Youth Ambassador for Sports at the age of 10. This appointment served as a testament to her exceptional skills and the impact she had already made in the world of chess.
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In 2023, at the age of 11, Deborah achieved another remarkable feat by becoming Nigeria’s female national champion. This achievement is one that might take decades for another player to break, cementing her status as a chess prodigy. Deborah’s talent has not gone unnoticed on the international stage. She is currently the highest-ranked under-12 female chess player in Africa and the third in the world. Her exceptional skills have earned her recognition and admiration from chess enthusiasts worldwide. Despite her busy chess schedule, Deborah has not neglected her education. She is currently in JSS3 and maintains a stellar academic performance, having earned double promotions in primary school. Her ability to balance her passion for chess with her academic pursuits is a testament to her dedication and hard work. Looking to the future, Deborah is set to represent Nigeria at the FIDE World Cup in Georgia next month. This opportunity is a chance for her to showcase her skills on the global stage and compete against the best young chess players from around the world. Tunde Onakoya, a renowned chess player and supporter of young talent, has expressed his immense pride in Deborah’s achievements.
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Final Thoughts

Deborah Quickpen’s story is one of talent, perseverance, and the power of support and mentorship. With the right financial backing and visibility, she has the potential to become West Africa’s first chess grandmaster. Her youth, drive, and hard work make her an inspiration to aspiring chess players and young people everywhere.
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This article was first published on 29th June 2024

chidiogo-akaelu

Chidiogo Shalom Akaelu holds a degree in English and Literary Studies, from the University of Nigeria. She is a freelance writer, editor and founder of Loana Press, a budding online publishing outlet.

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