From Bayelsa, in the deep south of Nigeria, Africa’s most populated nation with more than two hundred million people who are mostly crazy about music and football, Chess prodigy, Deborah Quickpen, has emerged from the unlikeliest of places to challenge the stalwarts of chess to become the “Glory of All Lands” as is the motto of her native Bayelsa.
Affectionately known as DebbyQuick in the chess community, Quickpen etched her name into Nigerian chess history books, when she became the youngest Nigerian national chess champion ever at the tender age of 11, after emerging winner of the women’s category at the 2023 Nigeria Chess Championship. She broke the long-standing record of Oluwatobi Olatunji (now Oloruntola), who triumphed at age 13. As she prepares to compete in the FIDE U12 Girls World Cup in Batumi, Georgia, her journey from a curious toddler to a national sensation is nothing short of extraordinary.
Deborah Quickpen’s introduction to chess at the age of 3 was truly remarkable, marking the beginning of an extraordinary journey. “I was introduced to chess by my former coach Mr. Bomo Kigya,” she recounts with a nostalgic smile. “He taught me how to play, and I immediately developed a passion for it. The game was really fun, so I decided to go with it.” What started as a jolly pastime soon transformed into an unyielding passion, as the young DebbyQuick found herself drawn to the captivating dance of the chess pieces on the board.
Her rapid ascent in the chess world can be traced back to her first tournament at the age of five in Lagos. Although victory eluded her then, the experience ignited a competitive flame. “When I turned six, I went to the National Youth Games where I won my first bronze medal,” she recalls. This taste of success spurred her on, culminating in her recent triumph at the Nigerian National Women’s Chess Championship, where she faced and conquered opponents far older and more experienced.
“It was not easy having to face adults,” Deborah admits. “My coach and I had to put in more effort, but becoming the champion was exhilarating. It’s a great feeling, and I look forward to helping other kids do the same.” Her victory has not only established her as a formidable force in Nigerian chess but has also earned her the moniker “the new chess queen.”
DebbyQuick’s favourite piece on the chessboard is the knight, a choice that reflects her unconventional approach to the game. “The knight is my best piece because it is the only one that jumps over others,” she explains.
This preference for the knight symbolizes her strategic ingenuity and her ability to think several moves ahead, a skill that has become her hallmark. “The fact that no two matches are ever the same is thrilling,” she says. “It makes me focus and strategize ahead before making any move.”
Her rigorous training regimen is a testament to her dedication. “I practice 7-8 hours a day,” she reveals. This relentless pursuit of excellence is fueled by her dream of becoming a grandmaster – a goal she believes is within her grasp. Her inspirations include chess luminaries such as Magnus Carlsen, Susan Polgár, and Judit Polgár. “Magnus Carlsen! I love the way he thinks and makes his moves, which is why he is ahead of other world champions,” she enthuses.
Deborah’s journey is not just a personal triumph but also a beacon of hope for the future of chess in Nigeria. She has participated in numerous prestigious tournaments, including the National Friends of Chess Blitz Tournament, where she triumphed over Chess Olympiad gold medalist IM Odion Aikhoje, and the African Individual Chess Championships in Accra, Ghana, where she halted South Africa’s WIM Jesse Nikki’s winning streak and secured a draw against Egyptian WGM Shahenda Wafa.
Currently ranked number 1 in Nigeria and No. 4 in Africa across all female age groups, despite her achievements, the student of Potter’s Touch High School, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State remains grounded, attributing much of her success to her supportive family and the conducive environment provided by her school. “My parents have been very supportive. They help me develop and grow in different ways,” she says. Her school has also been accommodating, providing special programs to ensure her education does not suffer due to her tournament commitments.
DebbyQuick’s advocacy for chess transcends her ambitions. She believes that chess can play a crucial role in the developmental process of children. “It will be very beneficial, especially as chess is thriving around the world. It can help children mentally not just here in Africa but on the global stage,” she asserts. Her vision for the future includes promoting chess in schools to harness its potential to sharpen young minds and foster strategic thinking.
Her exploits attracted the attention of international property and real estate company, Daniel Ford International (U.K) which held a historic chess awareness match between DebbyQuick and Guinness World Record holder, Tunde Onakoya, renowned for his remarkable achievements in the global chess community and his commitment to applying chess to empower children from underserved communities with his acclaimed Chess In Slums project.
As Deborah prepares for the FIDE U12 Girls World Cup, her expectations are high, yet her resolve remains unshaken. “I am expecting to have a really good performance there and also aim for first place,” she declares with a confidence that belies her age. Her journey to Batumi is not just about winning a championship but also about moving one-step closer to her ultimate dream of becoming a grandmaster.
When asked about her advice to other children interested in chess, Deborah’s response is both profound and inspiring. “Chess is a powerful game. If you are contemplating it, take it up; it will shape your mind, sharpen your focus, and help you achieve your dreams regardless of what they are,” she advises. Her words resonate with the wisdom of someone who has experienced firsthand the transformative power of chess.
In our world where peace often seems elusive, Deborah sees chess as a conduit for global harmony.
“Chess is a peaceful game. It helps develop the mind, and so I choose world peace because chess brings peace of mind. A peaceful mind is a peaceful world,” she muses.
As the chess community watches with bated breath, Deborah Quickpen stands poised on the cusp of new greatness. Her adventure from Bayelsa to Batumi, is a testament to her relentless spirit, strategic brilliance, and unwavering dedication. DebbyQuick is not just the new queen of Nigerian chess; she is a beacon of hope, a symbol of what is possible when talent meets tenacity. And like the 64 squares of the chessboard, for Deborah Quickpen, the possibilities are limitless.
Deborah’s success is not just due to her natural talent but also her rigorous training regimen. She speaks passionately about her daily practice sessions, which include solving complex chess puzzles and playing online matches against international opponents.
“Chess is a game of strategy and patience,” she explains. “Every move counts, and you have to be able to think several steps ahead.”
In the interview, Deborah also touches on the challenges she has faced as a young female chess player in Nigeria. “Chess is often seen as a male-dominated sport, and there were times when I felt underestimated,” she reveals. However, these experiences have only fueled her determination to break barriers and inspire other young girls to pursue their passions, regardless of societal expectations.
When and how did you learn to play chess?
I learnt at a very tender age, my former coach, ‘Mr Bomo Kigya’ taught me how to play.
How did you perceive the game of chess that early, was it exciting for you?
Yes, it was. I had passion for it, I felt the game was really fun and decided to go for it.
What part of it was most exciting?
The chess pieces, the knight are my best piece on the chessboard.
What about the knight do you like?
It’s the only piece on the chessboard that jumps over other pieces.
How long have you been playing chess?
I have been playing for 9 years; I started since I was 3.
Tell us about the experience of becoming a Nigerian national women champion?
It was not easy having to face adults, my coach and I, had to put in more effort, and now I am champion.
“Chess is a peaceful game. It helps develop the mind. A peaceful mind is a peaceful world,”
How did it feel coming out on top?
It was exciting and a great feeling, and I look forward to helping other kids to the same too.
What other championships or competitions have you participated in?
Apart from the National Championships I have played in other competitions like National Friends of Chess (NFOC), which happened this year, WIMNOM, which was December 2023, South South Chess Tournament and AICC.
Apart from chess what other games do you play?
Scrabble, my dad taught me how to play, and basketball.
What is your opinion on the teaching of chess in schools to help the developmental process of children?
It will be a very beneficial step as chess exists around the world and it can be used to help children on the global stage.
What are some of your favourite places to play chess?
Some of my favourite places are in the city, like Lagos, quiet places where I have time to focus and think.
When you are not playing chess how do you relax?
I listen to music.
What kind of songs do you listen to?
Mostly slow songs and hip-hop.
Do you have a favourite chess book or do you read them as they come?
I don’t have a favourite chess book right now but I read a lot of chess books to increase my knowledge of the game.
How often do you practice?
I practice 7-8 hours a day, to help achieve my dream of becoming a grandmaster.
Name your 3 greatest grandmasters?
Magnus Carlsen, Susan Polgar, Judit Polgar.
“I practice 7-8 hours a day to help achieve my dreams of becoming a grandmaster.”
Bobby Fischer Or Magnus Carlsen?
Magnus Carlson, I love the way he thinks and makes his move, and which is why he is ahead of the other world champions.
What are your preparations and expectations for the chess competition in Georgia?
I am expecting to have a really good performance there, and also getting the first place, which brings me one step closer to achieving my dream of becoming a grandmaster.
What is your favourite part of the chess game?
My favourite part is the middle game, as it’s also where my strengths lie.
Advice for other children with interest in chess?
Chess is a really peaceful game, if you are contemplating it, take it up and it will help you achieve your dreams regardless of what they are.
How do you combine chess with your education?
Any time I have tournaments like the Nigerian National Chess Championship and had to leave school during the session to participate in the championship, my school has a special programme to help me.
What has family support been like in your chess journey?
My parents have been really supportive, they help me develop and grow in different ways, and both my mom and dad do their best to help me achieve my dream.
If you could use the power of chess to make significant change in the world what will it be?
Chess is a really peaceful game, it helps develop the mind, and so I will choose world peace, because chess brings peace.
Watch full interview here:
Production Credit:
Interviewed by Rayo Kasali
Photographed by Rayo Kasali
Videography by Fisayo Ebiniyi
Creative Director: Rayo Kasali
Executive Producer: Adedamola Edun
