My chess ambitions got bigger after World Rapid amateur title — Omoruyi

At 16, Nigerian chess player Sandra Omoruyi is aiming higher after winning the World Rapid Amateur Chess Championship in Abuja in August. In this interview with EBENEZER BAJELA, she reflects on her journey, sacrifices, training and ambitions in chess and medicine

How did you first get introduced to chess, and who were the people who helped shape your early development?

I come from a chess family where my dad, mum and siblings all play chess, so my dad was my first coach. My siblings then taught me how to record moves until I met my present coach, Edward Eguavoe Evbuomwan, Coach Eddy. Some other people also played one or two roles in my growth. I may not be able to mention everyone, but they include Coach Ann, Coach Marian, Coach Ben, Coach Illoba, Coach Nosa and Coach Segun. When I won the MVP at the last Youth Games, I was initially just playing to learn and enjoy the game. After the event, I started thinking, “Maybe I can actually do this at the highest level.” That moment gave me the confidence to take chess more seriously and aim for bigger titles like the World Amateur Championship.

What challenges have you faced since taking up chess, and what do you remember about your first major tournament?

One of the biggest challenges has been not being able to attend tournaments because of distance and finances, and sometimes insecurity in Nigeria, especially as a minor. My first major tournament was the National Chess Championship. At first, I was scared, but after the event, I realised that I could actually do it, even though it was hard.

How demanding is your training routine, particularly when preparing for major competitions?

My training time runs between 10 and 16 hours daily, depending on the day of the week. On mild days, my training starts at 9am or 10am and ends around 10pm or 11pm, with breaks of three to four hours in between for lunch, dinner and school runs. On difficult days, the starting time is the same, but training ends by 2am or 3am the next day. This was basically to play practice games with engines in preparation for the Olympiad. My training schedule and routine are extensive, covering different areas of chess depending on what Coach Eddy plans for that day.

With such a demanding training schedule, how do you balance chess with school and family life?

It’s all about planning and discipline. School and family come first. I use evenings and weekends for chess training. My family is very supportive, and they help me stay focused.

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What did it mean to win the World Rapid Amateur Chess Championship in Abuja in August, and how did you prepare for the tournament?

I really didn’t know what I was expecting. I just knew that I had to win because a lot was at stake. My preparation was very focused. For weeks before the tournament, I worked with my coach on Rapid and Blitz-specific training. We did a lot of tactical puzzles because those formats are all about quick accuracy. I also played many Rapid and Blitz games with his students, especially his son, Henry Evbuomwan, to get used to the time pressure. Off the board, I made sure to rest well, stay active and work on my mindset, telling myself to take it one game at a time and not get overwhelmed by the title.

The most difficult moment for me was at the start of the Blitz event. I lost my first three games. Honestly, I was down. I started asking myself, “Is this really happening? Did I travel all this way to lose?” But then I remembered why I was there. My coach and I spoke, and he told me to go to the restroom and take a deep breath without thinking about anything for a couple of minutes. Then I told myself, “Sandra, the tournament is not over. Forget the first three games and play the next one.” So I reset. I focused on one game at a time, and I started winning. That comeback showed me that resilience is everything in chess. You can have a bad start, but you don’t have to finish badly.

Take us through the moment you realised you had won the title. What emotions went through you?

It felt surreal. At first, I was in disbelief, then pure joy and relief hit me all at once.The moment I realised I had won, the first thing I did was look up and thank God. I immediately thought of my family, my coach and everyone in Nigeria who believed in me. All the early mornings, the losses and the sacrifices — it all made sense in that moment. It was a mix of fulfilment and motivation — fulfilment because the hard work paid off, and motivation because I knew this was just the beginning. Most of all, I felt so proud to raise the Nigerian flag and bring the title home.

How has the World Amateur title changed your confidence ahead of the Chess Olympiad?

 It changed how I see myself. Before, I was just “a player with potential.” Now I know I can compete and win at the world level. My ambitions have become bigger. In the short term, I want to achieve title norms. In the long term, I want to become a Grandmaster and help Nigeria win at the Olympiad. I believe this is just the beginning.

What are your biggest ambitions in chess and beyond the game?

My biggest goal is to become a Grandmaster. I want to keep representing Nigeria and Africa on the world stage and make my country proud. Outside of chess, I want to become a medical doctor. I want to help people and give back to my community. I also want to inspire more young girls to pick up chess. I want them to see that it doesn’t matter where you start — from the streets, from school or from anywhere. You can get to the top. With God, hard work and resilience, I believe I can achieve both my dreams in chess and in medicine. I’m not done yet. This is just the beginning.