Russian Chess Official Dies After Nigeria Trip, Due to Severe Malaria

By Iyojo Ameh

A 36-year-old Russian chess official, Sergei Indeikin, has died after reportedly developing a severe form of malaria following a work trip to Abuja, Nigeria, where he attended the FIDE World Amateur Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships.

Indeikin, an operational manager and delegate of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), travelled to Abuja for the tournament, which was held from August 1 to 8.

Russian media reports, citing his family and colleagues, linked his illness to his trip to Nigeria.

According to Russian newspaper Argumenty i Fakty (AIF), Indeikin’s father, Alexander, said his son travelled from Abuja to Uzbekistan after the tournament, where he began experiencing symptoms.

He was subsequently flown to Moscow but travelled onward to Perm to stay with his mother after falling ill.

His condition reportedly deteriorated rapidly, leading to his admission to hospital, where he died.

AIF quoted his father as saying that Indeikin had been vaccinated before travelling to Nigeria, but acknowledged that the vaccine did not provide complete protection against malaria.

The International Chess Federation confirmed Indeikin’s death on August 23, describing it as the result of a “sudden illness” without specifying the medical cause.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of our colleague Sergei Indeikin, FIDE Operational Manager, following a sudden illness,” the federation said.

However, Russian business newspaper Izvestia reported that Indeikin’s mother, Tatiana, identified the cause of death as a severe form of malaria.

She reportedly said her son contracted the disease while working and that his condition deteriorated within about two weeks.

Other Russian media outlets, including Lenta.ru, also reported that Indeikin was suspected to have contracted malaria after being bitten by a mosquito while attending the chess tournament in Nigeria.

Medical expert Professor Alexander Lukashev, quoted by AIF, explained that malaria can be transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito in Nigeria and other tropical regions.

Indeikin had been involved in FIDE activities since 2021 and participated in the organisation of several major international chess competitions, including World Championship matches, World Cups, Candidates Tournaments and World Rapid and Blitz Championships.

FIDE described him as an important member of its operations team who travelled extensively to support the successful organisation of major chess events.

He is survived by his wife and daughter.

While Indeikin’s family and several Russian media reports have linked his illness to severe malaria allegedly contracted during his Nigerian trip, FIDE has officially attributed his death only to a sudden illness and has not independently confirmed malaria as the medical cause.

The Nigeria Chess Federation was being contacted for comment on the circumstances surrounding the reported illness and death.