Chioba, Mamudu Win International Pairs Trip to Portugal

Olawale Ajimotokanin Abuja

The combination of Maj Gen E.R Chioba (rtd) and former Assistant Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs, Haruna Mamudu over the weekend emerged the winners of the 2021 Nigerian final of the International Pairs.

At the final held at IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja, Chioba and Mamadu combined for 79 stableford points over two days, to clinch the ticket to the world International Pairs final in Algarve, Portugal between October 26 and 30.

About 60 players, constituting 30 pairs and drawn from across the country featured in the final.

Muhammed Suleiman and a former national winner, Julius Fadairo finished in second position-one point off the lead- while Abubakar Ayuba and another ex national champion, Bayo Alli, placed third with 76 points.

In fourth place, with 74 stableford points, was the pair of Mrs Grace Ihonvbere and Tunji Adebayo.

Eight-handicapper, Chioba thanked the event organisers, Falcon Golf Development Company for successfully organising the two-day national finale.

He declared they merited their victory because they played well over two days, returning 40 and 39 points respectively.

He also boasted that he would enjoy some local knowledge during the world final having previously played in Algarve and most of the golf courses in Portugal.

“I have travelled far and wide and the International Pairs is an opportunity to visit Portugal again. I play golf almost everyday as l have retired. With the way we are playing, l hope we can win the world title, ” Chioba enthused.

On his part, Mamudu assured that they would prepare diligently for the world final knowing full well that they are going to represent the country.

He summed up the national final as hectic while thanking Chioba for providing support and encouragement that allowed the partnership to thrive.

“I have a stroke on every hole plus a tendency to get more points. But we require that synergy and at the same time that encouragement from his part. When you hit your ball and he commends you, whether good or bad, gives you the impetus to do the right thing, ” Mamudu, who plays off handicap 23 declared.

Chief Executive of Falcon Golf, Remi Olukoya, thanked the players that graced the final despite the challenge of many players being away for summer vacation.

He reckoned the International Pairs world final as an all expense-paid golfing experience where between 35 and 40 countries are fully represented.