Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has officially opened the 2026 Port Harcourt Amateur Open Golf Championship. The event, which took place in Port Harcourt, drew over 250 golfers from across Nigeria. Fubara, represented by his Chief of Staff, Barr. Sunny Ewule, at the ceremonial Tee-off, emphasized that the championship is a testament to the state's safety, peace, and openness to sports, tourism, and business.
The Rivers State Government has reiterated its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote youth development and the wellbeing of Rivers people. According to Governor Fubara, golf is more than a sport, as it teaches patience, discipline, focus, and integrity - values that align with his administration's goals of promoting peace, unity, and healthy living. He commended the Local Organizing Committee for their hard work and the Port Harcourt Club Golf Section for sustaining the historic Club since 1928.
The President of the Port Harcourt Club, Barr. Victor Omubo Frank-Briggs, expressed gratitude to Governor Fubara for honouring their invitation. He noted that the government's presence has energized and inspired the golfers to perform their best in the championship. The Governor wished all participating golfers an injury-free and successful tournament.
Meanwhile, Nigerian clubs MFM Basketball Club and First Bank Basketball Club are set to compete in the African Women's Basketball League finals. The two teams will participate in the FIBA Africa Zone 3 qualifiers in Monrovia, Liberia, from November 2 to 9. The top two teams will earn qualification for the continental finals in Cairo, Egypt, scheduled for December 11 to 19.
The FIBA Africa Zone 3 qualifiers will feature six teams, including defending champions Friends of Basketball Association of Côte d'Ivoire, Benin Republic's Energie Basketball Club of Cotonou, and hosts Liberia's Flames Basketball Club and D'Rockers Basketball Club. The Nigerian clubs secured their places in the qualifiers after FIBA Africa and the Liberia Basketball Association extended the registration deadline.
Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze is expected to spend at least two months on the sidelines due to a hip injury. The 27-year-old will undergo treatment and another assessment in 10 to 15 days but is not expected to return before the end of the year. This development is a blow to Nigeria and AC Milan's options on the right flank.
Three Nigerians, David Samuel, Patrick Ocheme, and Raphael Uchegbu, will compete for titles at the PFL Africa finals on December 12 at the BK Arena in Kigali. The undefeated Samuel will meet Angola's Shido "Machine" Boris Esperança in the welterweight final. Samuel expressed pride in reaching the final, citing his Nigerian roots as a source of inspiration.
Key points
- Governor Fubara reaffirms Rivers State's commitment to supporting youth development initiatives.
- MFM and First Bank target AWBL finals in Liberia.
- Samuel Chukwueze faces injury lay-off.
