Oyebanji Recovers, Gives verve to Nigeria’s team

Gboyega Oyebanji would return to Kota Permai Golf and Country club in Kuala Lumpur this morning to help lighten the burden of qualification that has (somehow) soley rested on the 27 year shoulder of Oche Odoh.
The Nigerian team visibly the youngest pair of the nineteen countries chasing the three spots of the Fortis International Challenge World Cup suffered a set back on the first day of the meet with Gboyega Oyebanji developing stomach upset at the tail end of the front nine of the better ball round.
“I think it was a reaction to drugs I took before the game. I had to rely on my partner to carry us through the round, and he did that gracefully. I am very proud of him”
The team picked two quick birdies before the fourth hole and the collapse of Nigeria’s number one health. They went on to drop on the ninth, the tricky par four. And again recovered on two homeward par fives (12th and 18th) to finish joint eight after the first round.
Hong Kong’s David Freeman who played with Nigerian team said he was impressed with their performance having never seen a professional golfer from that part of the world before, “I think they are quite impressive” he said
Meanwhile, first day leader, Korea closing with a spectacular 63 (nine under par) at the end of day one hope to extend the lead as play returns to better ball scoring format today after the alternate shot option yesterday (Friday) .
Ghana’s Emos Korblah though with the best score from the six African side at the event says they look toward the Nigerian team doing well and perhaps picking one of the tickets.
He said; “I play in Nigeria and know the players so well. I am not surprised that with ill health they are still lying very well. If they get better. and in the game. The two players from Nigeria are the best chance for Africa in this event.
Oyebanji had missed his flight to Malaysia on Saturday due to irregularity in his traveling documents discovered at the point of entry and had to embark on the almost a 20-hours journey to Kular Lumpur on Monday morning leaving him to arrive on the wee of Wednesday (Malaysia is about 7 hours ahead on time zone).
“He has recoverd enough from the stress and the psychological stress he got from his flight delay and we are going for a broke today” Oche Odoh promised.

Score After Day 1

Korea -9
Singapore -6
Hong Kong -6
Ghana -5
Philipines -5
Pakistan -4
Italy-4
Nigeria-3
Brunei-2
Kenya-2
Myanmar-2
Indonesia-1
Swaziland-1
Bangladesh E
Sri Lanka E
Nepal E
Uganda +1
Malaysia +1