For the first time in nearly two decades, Nigeria will be represented at the prestigious 2025 Qatar Open Golf Championship. The 39th edition of the tournament will feature two Nigerian amateur golfers, marking a historic milestone for the country’s golfing community.
This breakthrough is credited to the efforts of the High-Performance Centre and Sports Leadership Hub (HPCSLH) of the Sports University of Nigeria. The group recently organized the “Rebuilding Trust: Showcasing Talents” golf competition in Doha, Qatar, which played a crucial role in reversing the 19-year ban imposed on Nigerian golfers.
Dr. Bob Olukoya, Director of HPCSLH, explained that Nigerian golfers had been blacklisted by Qatari authorities since 2006 due to instances where players absconded after being granted visas and travel support. Through strategic sports diplomacy led by Dr. Olukoya, the HPCSLH has restored trust, paving the way for Nigerian participation in the global tournament.
The two slots for Nigerian golfers at the 2025 Qatar Open will be determined through a qualifying tournament scheduled to take place in Nigeria from January 24–26, 2025. The venue for the qualifiers is yet to be announced.
Dr. Olukoya emphasized the importance of merit-based selection, expressing confidence in the abilities of Nigerian golfers at home and abroad. With a handicap limit of 9, the Qatar Open provides a unique opportunity for Nigerian amateurs to compete on an international stage.
The stakes are high, as the winner of the Qatar Open earns an automatic spot in the Qatar Masters, a flagship event on the DP World Tour. Players finishing 2nd through 10th place will also be rewarded with additional prizes.
To date, no Nigerian golfer has participated in the Qatar Masters, making this a potential milestone for the country’s representation on the global golf scene.
Mr. Olajide Bolaji, Technical Director of the Nigeria Golf Federation and Secretary of the Professional Golfers Association of Nigeria (PGAN), praised the development:
“This is incredible news for Nigerian golf. Our players have the potential to dominate the global stage if given the opportunity. We are deeply grateful to the Qatar Golf Association and Dr. Bob Olukoya for making this dream a reality. The Nigerian golfing community will rally behind the qualifiers to ensure success in Qatar.”
The January 2025 qualifiers will feature top amateur golfers from Nigerian golf clubs and the diaspora, adhering to the Qatar Open’s handicap limit of 9. This achievement promises to spotlight Nigerian golfing talent and inspire further development of the sport in the country.
