Organisers of the 2015 Moanda Open in Gabon have noted two of the four Nigerian entries for the 2015 edition as top contenders of the annual international championship.
Sunday Olapade, rising from his maiden win on the Nigerian PGA Tour at Otukpo a fortnight ago, has been given a look-in along with former Nigeria number one Willy Gift, who finished runner-up in the last three editions of the event.
“The Nigerian players are a strong force in this region,” Says Leon Paul Lobo, a member of the organising committee.
No Nigerian player has won the Moanda since 2010 when the late Ali Abdullahi won the event on his debut appearance with a six-shot margin and equalling the course record on the final day.
“Ali left an impression with us in 2010 and other players have never left us in doubt of what they are capable of,” Lobo added.
Ghana’s Vincent Torgah has made a treble win since 2012 and will be making a strong title defence appearance when the event tees off from April 2 to 5 at the Manga Golf Course, nestled in the huge CAMILOG’s manganese in Moanda.
Other Nigerian players billed for the event include in-form UBTH Golf Course assistant professional, Chukwudi Okoro, and respected international player, Basiru Bakare, from Lakowe Lakes Golf Estate Lagos.
The top six finishers at the event will cart home $10,000, $6,000, $4,000, $2,000, $1,600 and $800 equivalents.
Togo’s Agbavon Kosivi, who won the event in 2011; three-time Nigeria Tour leader, Emos Korblah; and Gabonesse star, Brice Moukagni; are also rated for the 72 holes championship.