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By Our Correspondent

No fewer that 150 golfers have gather in Abuja to battle for the 2019 Nigeria Ladies Open Golf Championship at the IBB International Golf and Country Club which commences Wednesday, Bestchoicesports.com.ng can report.

The ladies are all poised to retrieve the trophy won last year by Ugandan Evah Magala.

The three-day championship which is organised by the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN) is attracting amateur lady golfers from seven countries, as well as over 100 amateur male golfers.

The lady golfers are expected from countries such as hosts Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Botswana and Zambia.

In a statement signed by the Director, Media and Publicity for the Open, Kayode Adeniyi, many of the expected players have been training hard for the championship at the venue.

“Defending champion Magala who arrived in Abuja since Tuesday last week has not been leaving any stone unturned in her quest to retain the trophy.

“This is an indication that the tournament this year will be tougher than that of last year.”

Adeniyi went on to quote Magala as assuring that she was well prepared for the competition.

“l came early to get acquainted with the Abuja heat and the course. That is how prepared I want to be. I am here to retain the trophy “

“We have handicap 2 and handicap 4 players coming from my country, and there is a Tanzanian who defended one of the trophies here. I also know the capabilities of Nigeria’s Rachael Danjuma.

“So, it is not a joking matter. But I am up to the task,” Magala boasted.

Speaking on the championship, Dame Julie Okah-Donli, the Chairperson of the championship’s Organising Committee, said all hands have been on deck in view of the importance of the championship.

“We are making efforts to see to it that there will be no shortcomings in providing the ladies the tools to compete favourably.

“We know how important the event is. If you play this event and you play very well, you get ranked worldwide as an amateur lady golfer.

“This is why you will see so many internationals coming to try and see how this event can help them to get the points needed for seeding,” she said.

Wednesday’s event will be ceremoniously teed off by Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong, Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, Senator David Mark and a host of invited guests.

The championship’s Awards Night, Dinner and Prize Presentation will hold on Friday to round up the championship.