FirstBank Golf Tourney Draws 210 Players to Kaduna

By Sani Yakubu, Kaduna

FirstBank’s commitment to sports development will again take center stage in Kaduna, as no fewer than 210 golfers are set to compete in the third edition of its golf tournament, scheduled to kick off on March 26 at the Kaduna Golf Club.

Officials of FirstBank disclosed this in Kaduna during a media briefing held ahead of the competition, describing the event as part of the lender’s enduring support for sports development and community engagement in Nigeria.

Speaking at the briefing, the Group Executive, Retail Banking North, Idris Ibrahim, represented by the bank’s Business Development Manager, Abdullahi Abubakar, said the financial institution had maintained a strong presence in the promotion of golf in the country for over six decades.

He said the bank had continued its collaboration with the Kaduna Golf Tournament since 2023 as part of efforts to deepen interest in the sport and strengthen the golfing culture in Kaduna and beyond.

According to him, the sponsorship goes beyond competition, noting that it reflects the bank’s broader vision of building stronger communities and nurturing long-term relationships.

“For more than 130 years, we have remained committed to initiatives that support communities and create meaningful connections,” he said.

He added that backing the tournament was also in line with the bank’s drive to deepen engagement across Kaduna State and the wider northern region.

Ibrahim noted that golf represents qualities such as discipline, honesty, concentration, perseverance and mutual respect, values he said resonate with the institution’s corporate ideals.

He said the tournament would also serve as an important platform for both seasoned and emerging golfers to showcase their skills, gain visibility and develop their careers.

He explained that the bank’s involvement in the event falls under its First@sports initiative, a platform designed to support talent development and sustain traditional sporting activities such as golf, polo and tennis in Nigeria.

He encouraged participants to compete with determination while also embracing the spirit of sportsmanship throughout the event.

Ibrahim also praised the Kaduna Golf Club for sustaining the competition and contributing to the growth of golf in the northern part of the country.

Also speaking, the captain of Kaduna Golf Club, Nazifi Jibril, said this year’s tournament would feature several categories, including men’s, ladies’, veteran ladies’, super-veterans’, and the overall best performer.

He explained that the event was originally planned for last year but had to be shifted due to unforeseen circumstances.

Jibril announced that representatives from FirstBank and the Kaduna Golf Club would jointly perform a ceremonial tee-off to officially commence the championship.

He commended the bank for sustaining its support for the event, saying the gesture had once again shown its commitment to the advancement of golf in Nigeria.

The club’s captain added that members of the Kaduna Golf Club would continue to strengthen their relationship with the bank by patronising its products and services.

Batting for Glory: Players Hail Nigeria Women’s T20i Invitational as Gateway to Growth

By Ade Oluwa, Lagos

Excitement is building among participating athletes at the ongoing fifth edition of the Nigeria Women’s Invitational T20i tournamentscribing the competition as a vital avenue for skill development, exposure, and international experience.

The event, tagged the Patricia Kambarami Cup, is organised in memory of the late ICC Africa Regional Development Manager and Titans Chief Operating Officer, whose contributions to cricket development across the continent remain widely recognised.

Speaking in separate interviews at the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval in Lagos, players from different countries shared their impressions of the tournament, praising its organisation and competitive standard.

Captain of Nigeria’s women’s cricket team, Lucky Piety, expressed satisfaction with the quality of the competition, noting that it provides a strong platform for players and teams to improve.

According to her, the tournament has created room for learning and healthy competition among participating nations.

“It has been an exciting experience so far. Every team here is gaining something valuable, and for us, it’s also about enjoying the game while improving,” she said.

Piety reaffirmed Nigeria’s ambition to clinch the title, stressing that the team is determined to make the country proud.

“Our goal is clear — we want to win and give Nigerians another moment of joy, similar to what the U-19 team achieved,” she added.

But she noted that the tournament’s strong teams would make winning the trophy difficult.

“There are strong opponents here with the same ambition. We are approaching each match carefully and staying focused on our targets,” she said.

South Africa’s Filander Jae-Leigh also commended the tournament, describing it as both enjoyable and culturally enriching.

“It’s been a wonderful experience competing here in Nigeria. Beyond cricket, I’m enjoying the environment and learning about the culture,” she said.

She added that her team remains committed to executing its strategies effectively in pursuit of success.

“We’re concentrating on our game plan and aiming to finish strong in the competition,” she noted.

For Zimbabwe’s Bethei Zinyama, the tournament has offered a blend of fun and learning, highlighting the importance of international exposure.

“We’re enjoying ourselves and picking up new ideas from other teams. It’s a wonderful platform to grow,” she said.

Zinyama explained that her focus is on improving her performance and gaining wider recognition through participation.

The tournament, which kicked off on Friday, is scheduled to conclude on Sunday, March 29, at the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval, Lagos, with teams battling for top honours in what has already proven to be a thrilling contest.

Lagos Hosts Inaugural Schools Tennis Championship as Young Talents Shine

By Ade Oluwa, Lagos

The first edition of the Nigeria Tennis Live (NTL) Lagos Secondary Schools Championship kicked off on Thursday, drawing more than 100 student-athletes from across the state in a vibrant display of youthful talent.

The three-day tournament features participants from about 50 secondary schools and takes place at the Mainland Tennis Club within the National Theatre complex in Surulere. The competition is scheduled to run through Saturday, offering a platform for emerging players to compete and develop their skills.

Early matches delivered exciting performances, with Oluwatishe Ogungbade securing a straight-sets victory over Desmond Sikiru, while Daniel Israel comfortably overcame Godwin Fortune. Tobi Taiye also recorded a convincing win against David Awani, as Oluwajare Farinre and David Usoh triumphed in their respective encounters.

The organisers claim that the championship aims to identify promising young players and offer them opportunities for growth through competitive exposure. The initiative also seeks to strengthen grassroots sports development and inspire wider participation in tennis among students.

Damilare Okunola, the Tournament Director, clarified that the competition’s creation aimed to close the opportunity gap for junior players.

He noted that while many young athletes show outstanding potential, there are limited platforms for them to compete regularly. According to him, the championship represents an important step toward nurturing future champions who could represent Nigeria on global stages, including the Olympic Games.

Okunola described the turnout as encouraging, highlighting the strong participation from schools as a sign of growing interest in the sport. The event, he added, aims to lay the groundwork for long-term talent development.

Despite minor challenges such as late arrivals, he said the tournament has progressed smoothly, aided by favourable weather conditions and strong organisation.

Coach Itandayo Adekale of Corona Secondary School praised the standard of play and the discipline displayed by participants. He noted that competitions like this help young players assess their abilities and improve their performance over time.

A parent, Yvonne Ogunoiki, also commended the initiative, stressing the importance of exposing young athletes to competitive environments beyond their schools.

She said such tournaments allow players to build confidence, test their skills against different opponents, and develop the resilience needed to succeed in the sport.

As the championship continues, organisers and participants alike remain optimistic that the event will become a key fixture in Nigeria’s youth sports calendar, helping shape the next generation of tennis stars.