The 2023 Independence Day tournament of the IBB International Golf and Country Club came to a thrilling conclusion on Sunday night at the Club House, Abuja.
The one-week long tournament commenced on Monday, September 25 and rounded off on Nigeria’s Independence Day with the announcement of the winners of different categories.
A member of the club, Philip Joe Poroma, emerged the overall winner of the 63rd Nigeria’s Independence Anniversary Golf event.
In a rare showing, the handicap 14 amateur golfer played 80 gross with the best nett of 66 to beat over 500 other contestants to the coveted trophy and a becomes a proud winner of a brand new car prize courtesy of PAN. He was also decorated with the green jacket, the ultimate symbol of success in golf.
In his words, it was an accomplishment of a dream. “I am highly elated to emerge the winner of this year’s event. Though, I had the dream and I worked tirelessly for it, but am still surprised. I however dedicate the trophy to Nigeria, my country.
“I also salute all the participants of this year’s event for their doggedness, but I want to say it can be only one winner and is me,” Poroma said .
The minister of sports development, Senator John Owan Enoh, who teed off the grand finale of the Independence Golf Tournament, described golf as a lovely game and applauded the passion, commitment and consistency of the IBB International Golf and Country Club in hosting the yearly event, saying sports breeds social inclusiveness, enables diplomacy amongst countries, fosters friendship and business networks.
According to a press statement by the media consultant for the tournament, Mr Kayode Adeniyi, the results of the Inter-countries match-play shows that Nigeria defeated Uganda by 8 and half to 6 and half in the double.
Also, in the double match-play against Cameroon, hosts Nigeria outplayed Cameroon with 15 and half scored to 3 and half.
It was victory all the way for the host as they also won the double match play by 13 and half to 3 and half against Ghanaian squad, and 19 and half to 10 and half in Singles play.
The host captain, Dr Olabanjo Obaleye, was full of praise to all who makes the event successful, saying this year’s event will go down in the history as most attended by foreign countries.
In his own submission, the chairman of the organizing committee and Vice Captain of the Club, Ibrahim Babayo, said golf is becoming a big foreign policy to a lot of countries and Nigeria cannot afford to sit back and watch.
Representatives of the participating countries salute the organizers for an excellent outing both in the organisation and performance.
Highlights of the day was the presentation of trophies and prizes to various winners as well as cutting anniversary cake.
Zenith Women’s Basketball League: MFM, Bayelsa Whales Begin Chase For Final Slot In Asaba
The battle for the final two slots for the 2023 Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League will begin at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, Delta State, with MFM Women Basketball Club and Bayelsa Blue Whales looking to secure one of the two slots.
Two teams; Nigerian Customs and Air Warriors secured two slots from the Savannah Conference and now, the Atlantic Cnference teams will battle to win the two other slots to complete the Top Four for Final Phase.
The Second Phase of the Atlantic Conference was postponed due to the recently concluded National Youth Games and with the arrival of all teams, hostilities begin today with Bayelsa Whales and MFM taking on Dolphins and Sunshine Angels respectively.
MFM, who finished second in the last edition will have to be at their best as they are currently third on the table coming from the First Phase where they won three games while losing two while Bayelsa Whales on the other hand are second with four wins and a loss against undefeated First Bank who is poised to finish top of the table.
First Bank will hope to continue their impressive form when they meet IGP Queens who also hoping to create upset and get a slop to be in Lagos for the finals scheduled for later in October.
Other fixtures:
Dolphins vs Bayelsa Whales
Sunshine Angels vs MFM
IGP Queens vs First Bank