Daily Independent Online.
*
Monday, July 26, 2004.
Nigeria’s top female golfer cries for support
Stories by Taiwo
Alimi
Senior
Correspondent,
Lagos
Frustrated by her
inability to tie down sponsorship package for Europe or the United States of
America for a professional stint, female leading player Celina James has vent
her anger on the system, insisting that the game is on the downhill.
Speaking with Daily
Independent recently at IBB Golf and Country Club, Abuja the Port Harcourt
-based player said her efforts to kick-start her professional career
abroad has failed despite repeated efforts to talk to golf backers in the
country.
“I really
want to move abroad because that is the only way I can improve my game and I
have been talking to eminent people that have promised to help out but till now
nothing concrete has come my way”.
Celina who led the
nation’s team to the last 9th All Africa Ladies Challenge Trophy in
Windhoek, Namibia said she is not comfortable without competitions that would
really test his skill.
“I
don’t really know what to do again and the frustration is getting to me
because there is really nothing to play for again in Nigeria. There is no
challenge in the local scene for me again and that is the more reason I want to
go abroad”, added James.
The winner of the
2004 Ibadan Ladies Open informed that she has already gotten clubs ready to
help her achieve her dream in the US, “all I am asking for is sponsorship
to secure my passage abroad, there are many clubs that are willing to take me
on out there once I can prove to them that all I want to do is play the
game”.
She was of the
opinion that she has all it takes to excel as a professional anywhere in the
world. “This situation is capable of frustrating anyone. And knowing that
you have what it takes to do well in your chosen career”.
