The captain of Benin Club Golf Section (BCGS), Engineer Stephen Ebaretonbofa has added another symbolic angle to the ongoing competition in the ancient city, with a declaration that the N15m prize on offer is a thing of honour, not just money.
Sports247 reports that Ebaretonbofa made this assertion ahead of Thursday’s schedule of activities at the prestigious competition tagged 9th Oba Of Benin Golf Tournament, which is being staged specially this year to mark the royal father’s 10th anniversary on the throne.
The BCGS captain further pointed out that Thursday’s schedule was bound to be more exciting than ever, as Nigeria’s top golfers stormed the lush fairways of the club for the grand finale of the professional event of the tournament.
An enthusiast at the venue, Abiodun Jimoh noted that over 40 professionals from across Nigeria started the challenging BCGS course on Wednesday and returned for the final 18 holes the following day to determine who took home a lion’s share of the N15m purse and be crowned 2026 Pro Champion.
Jimoh added, “This year’s tournament is extra special. It marks the 10th Coronation Anniversary of His Royal Majesty, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, CFR, and the leaderboard is tight.
“After Wednesday’s action, top contenders were still holding firm, including Francis Epe (Ikoyi), Kingsley Okparaku (IBB), Idris Garba (IBB), Matthew Lawrence (Ikoyi), Vincent Ikemefune (Ikoyi), Tony Udumoh, Chuwkudi Okoro, Kanayor Chukwu and John Oche (all BCGS), after a strong show on Day 1.”
In the same vein, Ebaretonbofa said he was impressed by the run of play so far and, heading into the overall climax on Saturday, he confirmed that the BCGS course remains in championship condition for the final showdown.
Ebaretonbofa disclosed: “Wednesday was about setting the pace, Thursday is about handling pressure. The N15m is not just money; it is royal honour. Whoever wins creates history. With the professionals concluding on Thursday, attention will shift to Friday, for veterans, super veterans, men hcp 15-28, Ladies hcp 29-36, arrival of special guests and cocktail.
“Saturday is the grand finale, starting with the ceremonial tee-off by His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II and Palace Chiefs, followed by lady’s hcp 1-28, men’s hcp 1-14, guests from Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc and Seplat Energy Plc while the final prize presentation and royal finner hold at 6pm.”
Sports247 gathered further that the 2026 Oba of Benin Golf Tournament has attracted nearly 200 professiobsl and amateur golfers from various clubs across Nigeria – including Abuja, Ikoyi, Ikeja, Port Harcourt, Asaba, Sapele, Owerri and Warri.
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