Newly elected Nigeria Golf Federation president, Peter Deshi has stated that that he was banking on the support of Nigerian golf enthusiasts to surmount the enormous work that is waiting to be done to uplift the country’s golf.

The former IBB golf club captain was elected NGF president during the week and he is looking forward to seeing the sport take an upward swing.  “We came here with an open mind and we will be glad to work with all those who are genuinely interested in the development of the game here in Nigeria,” said Dr. Deshi.

Other members of the board include Kunle Dada, who is the first vice president, Ema Ekong,  Peter Nelson, Ishola Isaac, Lanre Onilu, Emenike John, Sam Iredia and Jubril Mohammed.

However, despite Deshi’s experience at the IBB club and his role as the special adviser on sports to the senate president David Mark a keen golfer, there are still reservations on his capability to chart a new course for the beleaguered golf federation.

A golfer who pleaded anonymity sad; “I presume he was not really ready for the position, it was government that placed him there. I think the only thing that may work for them is government support”

But former PGA Nigeria Tour chief executive, Olushola Lawson says he foresees a bright future ahead. “The fact that some of the new board members have not really been involved in any top golf office may work for them. It means they are unaware of any baggage from the past and I see a lot of them as young and ambitious which is a plus. I am very optimistic”

Meanwhile former president of the NGF Olagunsoye Oyinlola decried his omission from the list of board members. He alleged that it had to do with the politics of the ruling party in the country.

He said “I do not think we should drag our national politics into sports. It is not in the interest of anyone to do that. I love golf that is why I have been committing my time and resources to its development. This latest political action is very unfortunate but I bear no  grudge against anyone,”  Oyinlola said.