The remarkable story of an eight-year-old chess whizz kid who fled Nigeria with his family has touched the hearts of the nation. Tanitoluwa Adewumi is living in a homeless shelter with his family in New York City while his asylum application is being processed. But despite his heartbreaking struggles, he has been crowned the state’s chess champion for his age group. Adewumi won the tournament for his group, from kindergarten through third grade, last weekend.
They Fled Nigeria In 2017
The Family Escaped Boko Haram
Tanitoluwa, who is affectionately known as Tani by his friends and family, fled their home in Nigeria in 2017. His family were in fear of their lives after the rise of so called Muslim terrorist group Boko Haram. Tani’s family are devout Christians and feared they would be targeted.
But since arriving in the U.S, Tani has discovered his love for chess. He has been playing it at the elementary school he attends every day. He also practices every night in the homeless shelter.
