Nigeria’s 'Queen of Golf' Mentors Next Generation of Potential Pro Golfers

Uloma Mbuko playing at the 2014 Zambia Women Open at the Ndola Golf Club. Mbuko has played golf for 17 years, becoming Nigeria’s premier female golfer after winning more than 200 awards. (Courtesy Uloma Mbuko)

Uloma Mbuko has won more than 200 awards in her 17-year professional golf career. (Courtesy Uloma Mbuko)

Uloma Mbuko says her sisters both look up to her and support her. (Courtesy Uloma Mbuko)

Golf is slowly gaining popularity in Nigeria. Every Saturday, young people take lessons at the IBB International Golf and Country Club in the Nigerian capital of Abuja. Uloma Mbuko is the lead instructor. (Chika Oduah for VOA)

Membership at the IBB International Golf and Country Club in the Nigerian capital of Abuja costs upwards of 800,000 naira ($2622). The golf club is one of a handful in Nigeria. (Chika Oduah for VOA)

Mbuko teaches her players golf theory and fundamentals. (Chika Oduah for VOA)

Mbuko guides her students to practice their hip rotation. She has slowed down from competing and dedicates her time these days to training Nigerian female golfers to become pros. (Chika Oduah for VOA)

Stella Kadiri is one of Mbuko’s students. She’s been playing golf since 2011. She practices five days a week and hopes to become a pro. (Chika Oduah for VOA)

9-year-old Nicole Agubalu is one of Uloma Mbuko’s golf students. (Chika Oduah for VOA)