“I Could Only Communicate Through Chess”- Tunde Onakoya Opens Up on Childhood Illness and Life-Changing Diagnosis

  • Tunde Onakoya has shared how a wrong injection as a baby led to a serious health condition pushing him to find expression through chess.
  • According to him, the incorrect treatment led to a severe condition that affected his ability to communicate.
  • His story has inspired many online.

Nigerian chess champion and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, has shared an emotional account of a life-altering experience from his early childhood.

In a heartfelt reflection, Onakoya revealed that he suffered a serious medical complication as an infant after being administered a wrong injection by a local nurse.

“When I was 9 months old, I was very ill and my mum took me to a local nurse because the hospital was a luxury then 💔,” he said.

According to him, the incorrect treatment led to a severe condition that affected his ability to communicate.

“The nurse gave me a wrong injection, which triggered vascular necrosis… and I could only communicate through chess ♟️😭,” he added.

Onakoya’s story has since inspired many, highlighting not only the challenges he faced growing up but also how he found expression and purpose through chess.

Today, he is widely recognised for using the game as a tool to empower underprivileged children, helping them build confidence and life skills through his initiative.

Read some of the comments below:

@clipstormnaija
That actually deep , truly born for this

@TheReaganGRM
Una don come again now

@FunNation_tv
Oya nau

@Quamclips
“Was it the devil using the nurse, or was it God?”

@carter6f
That very deep actually …I think God allowed it ❤️🥹

@Jiggy_D3
How’s that communicated through chess?

@AyoolaJosh64001
Hey nah watin tim talk be that

@Rant_NGA
The stories are starting. But then the turns are usually God’s way of laughing.

@onlymofe
During my naming ceremony on the 7th day after my birth, I was using a toothpick and then it got stuck in my gum.. That part of my mouth still hurts till date

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