The fairways of the Aba Sports Club 1926 were alive with energy as the 10th Chief Mike Nkwoji Memorial Golf Tournament drew a vibrant decade of tributes to a spectacular close. The event brought together a competitive field of over 200 amateur golfers alongside top professionals who hit the course as early as 7:00 AM, battling through the day until the final putts dropped by mid-afternoon, culminating in the traditional camaraderie of hole 19.
The tournament carried a profound emotional weight for the community, a sentiment deeply felt with the presence of Iyom Ongodi Nkwoji and her son, Obi Nkwoji. Representing the family’s enduring legacy, they joined the players on the course to honor Chief Mike’s lasting contributions to both the club and the wider community, ensuring his memory remains a central part of the regional golfing calendar.
On the competitive side, the field saw intense action across multiple categories. Edeh Michael claimed the top spot in category one by carding a net score of 76, narrowly edging out S. T. Ajah who finished a single stroke behind at 77 net, while U. C. Anuruo secured third place after finishing with an 81 net. In category two, Ronnis Eronini played off a 14 handicap to deliver a stellar 69 net, capturing the trophy ahead of Orji Nwokeka and Mike Jaja, who finished second and third. Meanwhile, Ossy Adubasim dominated category three, leaving Anowa Kingsley and Grando Timitimi to pick up the second and third place prizes.
According to tournament tracking by Zoyols News, the margins were incredibly tight in the later flights. Samuel Udensi had to rely on a count-back to defeat Martins Orizu for the category four title after both players finished tied with an 80 net. The golf section captain, Bona Anyadiaso, held his ground to secure the third-place finish. The senior categories also provided plenty of excitement, with Ogben Ifeanyi walking away with the veteran men’s title and Jerry O. Kalu taking home the honors for the super veteran men.
The ladies’ divisions showcased impressive skill and composure under pressure. Susan Cole-Kotas, playing off a 15 handicap, carded an 83 net to win the premier ladies’ category for handicaps 0 to 18. She finished ahead of Love Okoho, who posted an 89 net, and Osinachi Ndukwu, who took third with a 90 net. For the higher handicap divisions, Uwabor Angela took the crown in the 19 to 28 handicap category, while Ebere Omeziri celebrated a trophy win in the 29 to 36 handicap group. The senior women were not to be outdone, as Ifeyinwa Udeagbale and Martha Umeweni claimed victories in the veteran and super veteran ladies’ categories.
Special skills challenges added an extra layer of flair to the day’s proceedings. Udeh Sunday and Ochade Ajabor showcased their power off the tee to win the longest drive awards for men and ladies, while Kio Lucky demonstrated incredible precision to win the nearest to the pin prize.
The memorable day concluded with an elegant awards ceremony where winners were presented with trophies and prizes. Surrounded by club members, visiting guests, and the Nkwoji family, the newly appointed golf section captain, Sir Bona Anyadiaso, expressed deep gratitude to all the participants, corporate sponsors, and volunteers whose collective efforts made this milestone 10th edition a resounding success.
