Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Kenya, Ambassador Danlami Ibrahim, has called for stronger links between Nigerian players and Kenya’s golfing scene after welcoming Godwin Okoko, fresh from his maiden Sunshine Development Tour victory in Nakuru.
Rift Valley success boosts Sunshine Tour hopes
- Okoko visited the Nigerian High Commission in Kenya after claiming the Rift Valley Championship at Nakuru Golf Club on Tuesday, an event on the East Africa Swing of the Sunshine Development Tour.
- The breakthrough win has strengthened his push for promotion to the main Sunshine Tour.
- Ibrahim said he hoped Okoko’s achievement would encourage more young Nigerians to take up golf.
- “We hope his victory in the Sunshine Tour will help to spur young Nigerians in the game of golf,” Ibrahim said.
- The ambassador added that golf could become an important platform for wider sporting cooperation between Nigeria and Kenya.
- “Golf is one game where Nigeria and Kenya can collaborate more often. We hope that going forward, we’ll see a lot more of the likes of Godwin here in Kenya, and also Kenyan golfers in Nigeria, to help promote golf and the spirit of unity between both countries,” he said.
Order of Merit race
Okoko occupies second place in the SDT Order of Merit standings with 654 points. Rwanda’s Celestin Nsanzuwera leads the rankings on 791 points, with five tournaments still to be played.
A finish among the leading three players would hand Okoko a direct card for the main Sunshine Tour. Should he achieve that, he would become the first Nigerian golfer to gain full membership on a major tour.
Home event next for Okoko
- Okoko will now travel back to Nigeria for the Alpha Bravo Golf Classic, scheduled for 18–20 November at Lakowe Lakes Golf Estate.
- He expects strong backing from home supporters, but also recognises that competing in front of them will bring added expectations.
- Ibrahim encouraged the golfer to carry the confidence from his Nakuru triumph into the next event.
“Yesterday was one of the greatest moments I’ve ever felt in my life. It’s something I’ve been dreaming about and, fortunately, the moment came,” Okoko said. “It’s a great feeling because this has improved my confidence level, and I believe I can do it if I’m given the right support and push.”
He said he would first take time to recover before focusing on the tournament at Lakowe Lakes.
“I need to go back home, get some rest and then get prepared for it,” Okoko added. “I have to make sure I don’t play myself under any tension at all. I know the competition is going to be at home. There are a lot of people coming to watch me, and there’ll be so much pressure because there are a lot of people who want you to do well. I just pray I keep my cool and see what’s going to happen.”
Nigerian contingent on the development circuit
Okoko is one of several Nigerians competing on the Sunshine Development Tour this season. The group also includes Kamalu Bako, Sunday Olapade, Solomon Ideriah and Francis Epe.
The circuit provides West African golfers with more frequent tournament opportunities, valuable Order of Merit points and a pathway towards the main Sunshine Tour.
