Sports

Support Lafia Golf Club, Nasarawa Govt Urged

Published

5 years ago

October 19, 2021

The Immediate past Captain of Lafia Golf Club, Paul Kouame, has urged the Nasarawa State government to support the Lafia Golf Club in order to encourage the development of the game in the state.

Kouame, who made the call at the weekend while handing over the mantle of leadership to new officials of the club in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, said the state stands to benefit greatly from sporting activities, hence the need for the government to tap into the enormous opportunities that golf presents, and support the club especially during tournaments.

He said: “I started playing golf here in Lafia in November 2017. I became the vice captain of the club in August, 2018 and I became the captain of the club in August 2019. So, I have stayed for two years as the captain of Lafia Golf Club.

“The challenge here has been that Lafia Golf club was not receiving support from the government. But thank God there have been a wonderful action lately during the ladies open. We noticed a wonderful support from our executive Governor and we did well. It was a national event and everybody was satisfied.

“The only thing we request from the government is a little support.The course in Lafia is the biggest one in the whole of North Central in terms of distance and it’s not easy to maintain it,” he said.

The immediate past Captain said he will continue to support the activities of the club and tasked the new officials to work harder for the growth and development of the club and state at large.

In a goodwill message, Captain of Makurdi Golf club, Engr Michael Vaatia, represented by his Vice, Navy Commander Abu Onum, said the location of the Lafia Golf Course was strategic as it connects with most of the North Central states, urging the state government to leverage on it to attract more golfers to the state.

“There is a mentality that the game of golf is a rich man’s game but first, what is rich about having a good health. When you play golf, you exercise and you spend less in hospitals. So what we want is that people should imbibe the culture of exercise,” he said.

He commended the out gone captain for his numerous contributions to the progress of the club and pledged the support of the Makurdi golf to enable them succeed.

In his acceptance speech, new Captain of the Lafia golf, Augustine Okyuwa said they will work according to the rules of the game and called on members to support them to enable them discharge their duties.

“I have spoken to a lot of people in the state and have told them the importance of exercise. The golf game is a very important game so , people are very much aware of that are ready to come in and exercise and contribute in their own way to the development of the club.

On her part, the newly elected lady captain of the club, Marylinda Ogbole, said her administration would ensure that all lady golfers are supported to go out for tournaments to enable them project the name of the state in limelight.

The new officials elected were Austine Okyuwa captain, Changkat lucky Vice Captain, Solomon Nwokoro secretary, Godwin Ogwuche, Finance secretary and Marylinda Ogbole as treasurer.

Others were Peter Danfuru, Social Secretary, Andrew Yakubu, Bar Secretary ,Edwin Philip Public Relations Officer,
Jennifer Cardy, master.
Mr. Tony Effa, Course Maintaining Officer and Dr. Chidozie Adiukwu, Competition Secretary.

Earlier, a match was played between the Lafia Golf club and Command Army Record Golf Club, Lokoja and the Lafia Golf club defeated her opponent, the winner of the game by 6 -0.

Sports

Fernandez Named In Scottish Premiership Team Of The Season

Published

5 days ago

April 17, 2026

Editor

Emmanuel Fernandez has been named in the Scottish Premiership Team of the Season, according to DAILY POST.

Fernandez was recognised by his fellow professionals for an outstanding campaign at the the heart of the Rangers defence.

The 24-year-old has made 28 appearances across all competitions for the Light Blues.

The centre-back is the only Rangers players in the selection.

He arrived the Ibrox from English League One club, Peterborough United last summer.

The defender also made his debut for Nigeria against Iran last month.

Sports

Super Eagles: How I Chose Nigeria Over England – Iwobi Opens Up

Published

5 days ago

April 17, 2026

Editor

Alex Iwobi, has talked about how he chose to play for the Super Eagles.

On the Beast Mode On podcast, Iwobi talked about how former Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger told him to think carefully about his choices, like maybe waiting to play for England’s senior team.

Although Iwobi played for England in various youth teams, his development slowed because he didn’t get much chance to play for Arsenal’s main team.

However, his career changed when Nigeria invited him to join their Olympic team. After talking with his family, Iwobi decided to look into the opportunity.

He said, “I began playing for Nigeria when I was 19. I was playing for the England Under-16, Under-17, and Under-18 teams, but then my opportunities slowed down because I wasn’t getting regular first-team action at Arsenal, which is tough.

“Everyone else who played for the England U21 team was usually playing first-team football in the Championship or League One regularly, starting games and building their reputation. And I wasn’t really that person back then.

“Then I started playing for Arsenal. At that time, Gareth Southgate was the manager of the U21 team. The Arsenal first-team manager talked to him and said, ‘We are considering bringing you up to the first team, but we want you to play for the U21s.’

“That’s when Nigeria got in touch, saying they wanted him to play in the Olympics. I talked to my dad and uncle, and they said at least give Nigeria a try. If you don’t enjoy the training or the facilities, you can just say you tried it out.”

The former Everton midfielder talked about his first experiences in the Nigerian team, mentioning that the conditions were basic but that he felt a strong sense of being part of the group.

“I then went to Nigeria… you have to wash your own kit. The pitch was half grass, and the AstroTurf was outside the playing area, as if it had just been set up. The coach, if you make one bad pass, he’ll say, ‘What’s wrong with you now?’ I remember one guy passed the ball off the pitch and they made him run two laps. I was thinking, “This is mad.”

“I was having a good time. The food was clearly jollof rice; we had yam and egg for breakfast. I just felt I was at home. I hadn’t even established a reputation at Arsenal, but they already knew about me. I was stopped at the airport and celebrated. The love for the game was high.”

The key moment happened when he got called up for a match against Egypt.
Wenger, according to Iwobi, let him make the final decision.

“I was still working on getting the FIFA clearance sorted. I wasn’t able to play in the knockout games to get a spot in the Olympics, but I still went to watch and be part of the team. The away fans came with instruments and started making a lot of noise. I felt like I was back home—this is where I’m meant to be,” he said.

“There came a point when I was needed for Nigeria’s senior team, so they invited me to play against Egypt. Wenger said, ‘What do you want to do? You can delay it so you can think about England, or you can go and represent Nigeria.’

“Because of the experience I had, I wanted to go and represent Nigeria. He (Wenger) said they would support me and wished me all the best.

“I enjoy playing for England because the team has a strict system, stays disciplined, and has some of the top players in the world. But Nigeria is always fun. You never know if something will turn out well or not.”

Iwobi first played for the Super Eagles in October 2015, during a friendly match against the DR Congo national team in Visé, Belgium.

Since that time, he has become an important player for Nigeria, playing 98 matches and scoring 10 goals.

Sports

EPL: Arteta Confirms Two Arsenal Players That Will Miss Man City Clash

Published

5 days ago

April 17, 2026

Editor

Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, has revealed Bukayo Saka will be unavailable for their Premier League trip to Manchester City on Sunday.

Saka has been out of action since the Gunners lost 2-0 to the Gunners in the Carabao Cup on March 22.

The 24-year-old winger is yet to recover from a suspected achilles problem and will not face City this weekend.

Mikel Merino will also not make a return from a broken foot, even though he is no longer wearing a protective boot.

“Bukayo is out. That is for sure,” Arteta told reporters on Friday.

“With B, we are handling it to protect the play first of all and then to perform as well as he possibly can.

“He’s just starting to do some stuff so let’s see that progression, how quickly we can go through it and then wait. But at the moment it’s not available.

“Bukayo is out, that’s for sure, Mikel is out as well.

“We will have a solution, whatever happens. We are so used to this, this season. Whatever happens, we will have the right solution.”