The legacy of sisterhood in sports, popularized by the Williams sisters, Serena and Venus, is one marked by rivalry and remarkable achievements. Nigerian talents Bernice and Anna Onoriode are poised to join this elite group as they showcase their dedication and passion in athletics and chess.
Born in Kaduna State to a Delta father and an Anambra mother, the Onoriode sisters began their sporting journey three years ago under the guidance of their father, Felix Onoriode, a renowned athletics coach at N-Youth Sports Academy in Abuja.
Their recent clash at the National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State, attracted attention when the 13-year-old Bernice, representing Delta State, faced her younger sister Anna, who played for Kaduna State, in the chess preliminary rounds. Bernice won the game and later secured a silver medal.
“It was a very strong emotional moment for me,” Felix told *PUNCH Sports Extra*. “I had anticipated the clash and needed to be there to manage the outcome. Anna had expressed her determination to defeat Bernice during our pep talks.”
Although the sisters had played numerous games together, this was their first competitive encounter. “She was not supposed to win that game. It was just overconfidence on my part,” Anna reflected. “We often beat each other; there’s no special feeling about winning against my sister.”
Felix explained that they represented different states to avoid the disappointment Anna faced in 2022 when Bernice qualified for the National Sports Festival but was dropped by Kaduna’s female chess team. “We reached out to coaches in Delta, and Bernice qualified there,” he said.
In addition to chess, Bernice excels in athletics, specializing in sprints and long jumps. She won five gold medals at the MTN Champs and a bronze at the national finals in Calabar. “Athletics is my preferred sport, but I also play scrabble, chess, and karate,” Bernice shared.
For Anna, her focus remains on chess and scrabble. “I don’t have the endurance for athletics like my sister, but we both aspire to be number one, regardless of our sports,” she noted.
The sibling rivalry acts as a motivating force, with Felix managing this dynamic to foster mutual support and constructive competition. “I don’t pressure them; I let them enjoy the game and see where it leads us. Their involvement in chess has been one of my best decisions as a parent, helping Bernice improve her focus,” he added.
As the Onoriode sisters continue to excel, comparisons to the Williams and Ogwumike sisters are inevitable. Their strong family bond and dedicated training reflect the spirit of sporting sisterhood, driving them towards greatness.
