Independence Day Golf: IBB Club Renews Rivalry with Achimota

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja will host Ghana’s leading golf club, Achimota Club 1924 of Accra in an international match-play friendly to mark Nigeria’s 56th Independence Day.

The Ghanaian contingent of 50 golfers is expected to arrive in Abuja today ahead of the opening double matches which hold on Friday. The single matches will be played on October 2, after the Independence Cup Tournament on Saturday.

The visit by Achimota is in keeping to the long held traditional where both Ghana and Nigeria engage in match-play as a mark of friendship to commemorate their national days.

The Chairman of Nigeria’s Independence Day Golf Tournament, Sunday I. Ameh (SAN), told reporters, that upon arrival, the Ghanaians will be treated to a cocktail on Thursday to be followed by an African night to harmonise Nigerian and Ghanaian cultures.

A member of the organising committee, Hon Austin Nwachukwu said both Nigeria and Ghana share common values in education, business, politics and sports dated back to the past when Ghana used to be known as Gold Coast.

The Independence Day Golf Tournament will feature a total number of 300 players, who will jostle for trophies and souvenirs in different categories, including men, ladies and veterans. The shotgun format will be used to tee off the players in the morning and afternoon.

Aside from golf, IBB Club tennis section began a tennis tournament on Monday to commemorate the Independence Day and will meet the Boma Tennis Club of Accra on Saturday.