Elite Nigerian Chess Player | Champion | Coach | Motivator
Name: Obubele Maxwell Koko
Date of Birth: May 14, 1982
Nationality: Nigerian
🏆 Career Highlights & Achievements
Obubele Maxwell Koko is a seasoned and decorated Nigerian chess player whose career spans nearly three decades, marked by excellence, resilience, and a deep commitment to the sport. From his breakthrough as a National Junior Champion in the mid-1990s to his recent success as a top contender in national and regional tournaments, Koko has established himself as a dominant force on the Nigerian chess scene.
🌟 Milestones & Major Achievements:
- 🥇 National Junior Champion, Naksh Chess Tournament, Port Harcourt – 1996
- 🥇 National Junior Champion, Nigerian Breweries Chess Championship, Lagos – 1997
- 🥈 2nd Place, Open Category, Nigerian Breweries Chess Championship, Lagos – 2000
- 🥉 Bronze Medal, National Sports Festival, Bauchi – 2000
- 🥇 1st Place, Aggrey Chess Club Championship, Port Harcourt – 2003
- 🥇 1st Place, Obudu Chess Championship – 2005 & 2007
- 🥇 Gold Medal, Gateway Games, Ogun – 2006
- 🥇 2 Gold Medals, Nigeria University Games (NUGA), Maiduguri – 2007
- 🥇 1st Place, Shell Club Chess Championship – 2008
- 🥇 Gold Medal, NUGA, University of Nigeria, Nsukka – 2010
- 🥉 3rd Place, Masters Category, Nigerian Breweries Chess Championship – 2010
- 🥇 Gold Medal, West African University Games (WAUG), Ilorin – 2012
- 🥇 1st Place, Bayelsa State Chess Championship – 2014
- 🥇 1st Place, Elf Total Chess Championships – 2015 & 2016
- 🥇 1st Place, Robert Asibor Chess Championship, Asaba – 2018
- 🥉 Bronze Medal & Coach, National Sports Festival, Abuja – 2018
- 🥇 1st Place, 1st South-South Chess Championship, Bayelsa – 2019
- 🥇 2 Gold Medals, National Sports Festival, Asaba – 2022
- 🥇 1st Place, Wildlife Chess Championship, Eket – 2023 & 2024 (Blitz & Rapid)
- 🥇 1st Place, Elf Total End-of-Year Chess Championship – 2023
- 🥇 1st Place, Naphtali National Chess Championship, Port Harcourt – 2024
- 🥇 1st Place, Nigerian Naval Games, Warri – 2024
- 🥇 Lone Qualifier & 1st Place, South-South Qualifiers, Benin – 2024
- 🥇 1st Place, Nigerian National Chess Championship, Elite Section – 2024
- 🥇 1st Place, Naphtali Trilogy Chess Championship, Port Harcourt – 2025
- 🥈 Team Silver & Individual Bronze, National Sports Festival, Ogun – 2024, as Coach/Player
♚ Playing Style & Legacy
Known for his strategic sharpness and tactical clarity, Koko has consistently demonstrated mastery in both classical and rapid formats. He has not only represented himself with distinction but has also coached and inspired younger generations, leading Team Bayelsa to multiple medals.
🎤 Beyond the Board
Maxwell is not just a chess maestro but also a vibrant motivational speaker, a passionate musician and rapper, and a man who values education, laughter, and connecting with people — especially through his love of teaching and playing chess.
🧩 Hobbies & Interests
- Motivational speaking
- Singing and rap music
- Reading and personal development
- Mentoring youth and teaching chess
- Bringing joy to people and uplifting others through passion and positivity
Obubele Maxwell Koko continues to be a pillar in Nigerian chess — a competitor, a coach, and an ambassador for the sport.
