Akpabio, Edidiong Win International Pairs, to Represent Nigeria in Portugal

The excitement that pervades the return of International Pairs Golf Championship to Uyo, the Akwa Ibom capital climaxed on Sunday with the pair of Usenobong Akpabio, Edidiong Idiong emerging winners of the 2023 edition of the annual competition.

Playing like a team infused with the winning bug, the duo carded 77-stable points over 36-holes to emerge winners. They started their game with opening 38-stableford points and closed with 39-stableford points for 77-points to win the competition by two-points.

For their efforts, the pairs will be representing Nigeria at the world finals of International Pairs billed for Royal Obidos Spa & Golf Resort in Portugal in November 6-10, 2023.

While the Uyo based golfers relished their victory, hard fighting pair of Okechukwu Igwe and Saadi Baloni of IBB International Golf and Country Club Abuja also gave a good account of themselves, coming second in the fiercely contested competition. They signed for 75-stableford points.

An opening 35-point and a closing 40-point placed the duo in the second position with just two-points off the winner.

First timers; Stephen Ebaretonbofa and Benedict Oghuma ducked in the third position with a score of 72 points, five points off the winning pair and three points away from the second placed Igwe and Baloni. They won the pair of Ahmed Amate and Eddy Shok on count back, our overnight leaders.

Satisfied with the outcome of the competition, International Pairs representatives in Nigeria, Remi Olukoya said he believes the winning pairs would be worthy representative at the world finals.

“It was a great outing and produced worthy champions. With their results, the team will definitely do well at the finals”, Olukoya said.

Our gratitude goes to our Major Sponsor Pepsi for refreshing all participants the whole weekend; Singleton provided us with single malt whisky; Meristem Securities for helping our members grow their wealth; Ibom Icon Golf Resort for graciously hosting us; Bon Hotel Nest Ibadan for their support and Suzuki by Cfao Motors for making available their car for a hole-in-one prize. But most importantly, we want to thank all our participants for their support.