Face-off for Charity: Nigeria vs International Community

Football may be the most popular sport in Nigeria, but on February 13, 2022, golf got one up on it when it brought together golfers and guests from Nigeria and the international community to the 2nd edition of the Nigeria and International Community Golf Tournament at Ikoyi Club, Lagos.

International community team at the second edition of the Nigeria and international community tournament
The international community team. Image courtesy of Dami Taiwo

As early as 6:30 am, golfers and visitors began to troop into Ikoyi Golf Club 1938, which was the venue for the day-long event. Registration was the first activity of the day and it was immediately followed by a hearty breakfast to get players and guests energised for the activities ahead.

Closeup image of one of the golf players
Image courtesy of Dami Taiwo

After the hearty meal, everyone followed the 116 participating amateur golfers to the course for the first game of the day: the tee off. Among the players representing the Nigerian community were renowned sports legend, Segun Odegbami; Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shaibu and the captain of the Ikoyi club 1938, golf section, M.I Okoro.

The caddies moving towards the golf course
Image courtesy of Dami Taiwo

The highlight of the tournament was the Putt for Charity, a specially curated activity where golfers played for a million naira cash prize to be donated to any of the following prior selected not-for-profit organisations: Evolve; the Chioma Ajunwa Foundation; Nucleus Africa, and, Visit a Hospital Today.

Mr Odegbami emerged as the winner for team Nigeria while Comrade Shaibu made a personal donation to the four nominated charities.

One of the golfers from team Nigeria
Image courtesy of Dami Taiwo’

Speaking on the importance of the event, Mr Okoro stated that “it was held to foster global unity and it was exciting to see golfers who are giants of industries come together for good”. Mr Dan Ngerem, founder of the Dan Ngerem Sports Foundation which was the main sponsor of the tournament, further explained that “for the charity aspect of the event, we were careful to pick organisations that have served as advocates for several causes ranging from youth empowerment to girl child education”.

Mr Dan Ngerem
Mr Dan Ngerem of the Dan Ngerem Sports Foundation which was the major sponsor of the tournament, speaking to the press at the event

The Nigeria and International Community Golf Tournament is an annual golf game that brings golfers together to play for a charitable cause. The maiden edition held in 2021 at the Ikoyi Golf Club 1938 and this year’s edition, which had as its headline sponsor the Dan Ngerem Sports Foundation and J Lindeberg, held at the same venue.

Below are more images from the event:

Image courtesy of Dami Taiwo
Image courtesy of Dami Taiwo
Image courtesy of Dami Taiwo
Image courtesy of Dami Taiwo
Image courtesy of Dami Taiwo
Image courtesy of Dami Taiwo
Image courtesy of Dami Taiwo
Image courtesy of Dami Taiwo
Image courtesy of Dami Taiwo
Image courtesy of Dami Taiwo
Image courtesy of Dami Taiwo
Image courtesy of Dami Taiwo
Image courtesy of Dami Taiwo
Image courtesy of Dami Taiwo
Image courtesy of Dami Taiwo

ASPIRE Luxury Magazine is proud to be the Online Media Partner for the event.

Photo credit: Dami Taiwo Photography