The greens at the Tukur Yusuf Buratai International Golf and Country Club were alive this week with the sound of laughter and friendly competition. No fewer than 150 golfers gathered there for the TYB Ladies Section Weekly Kitty tournament. For many women here, this weekly meet-up is about much more than just a scorecard.
Dr Lami Onayi Ahmed, President of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria, performed the ceremonial tee-off alongside Mrs Helen Mark and other dignitaries. Her presence signals how these local events are gaining serious recognition. People here see it as a sign that women's sports, even the less traditional ones, are getting their due.
The real talk at the clubhouse wasn't just about birdies and pars. As Dr Ahmed put it, golf is not only about competition but also wellness, friendship and discipline. That message hits home for many participants who juggle careers and family. For them, this weekly kitty is a vital escape, a chance to breathe and connect with friends away from the daily hustle of Abuja life.
While the women were on the course, another generation of athletes was preparing for their own spotlight. The 7th edition of the PwC-sponsored Nigeria Cricket Federation National Under-17 Championship for boys and girls is set to commence today, March 11. The tournament runs through to the 15th at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Oval in Abuja.
Alhaji Sani Mohammed confirmed the plans, saying, 'The PwC Under-17 Championship will start tomorrow. We have already concluded the zonal competitions across the six geopolitical zones, and the winners have emerged.' For families with kids in sports, this national stage is a dream. It shows a pathway for young talent from local pitches to representing the country.
Meanwhile, Nigeria's top female basketball team, D'Tigress, has arrived in Lyon-Villeurbanne, France, to a warm reception. The reigning Afrobasket champions begin their qualifier campaign on Wednesday, March 11, against Colombia. Their success is a point of pride that resonates back home, inspiring young girls watching from Lagos to Kano.
This flurry of sporting activity happens against a backdrop of national reflection. Nigeria is in mourning as the football community bids farewell to Chief Festus Adegboye Onigbinde. Born on March 29, 1938, in Ibadan, Oyo State, he led Nigeria’s senior men’s national team to a silver medal in the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations. His legacy reminds people that today's community events and youth tournaments are building the legends of tomorrow.
From the golf course to the cricket oval, the story this week is about participation, health, and future promise. The next big moment for the community to rally around is the final of the Under-17 cricket championship this Saturday, March 15, where new champions will be crowned.
