A cross-section of winners of the various categories at the just concluded 2025 NLNG Golf Classic in Bonny Island, Rivers.(PhotoCredit:NAN)
MURTALA Saleh and Lady Gladys Tobin have emerged as top winners of the men’s and ladies’ categories at the just concluded 2025 NLNG Golf Classic in Bonny Island, Rivers.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the two-day invitational teed off Friday and ended on Saturday at the Bonny Island Golf Club (BIGC).
Sponsored by Nigeria LNG, the tournament was the sixth edition of the annual classic.
No fewer than 100 golfers competed across categories on the lush and scenic BIGC course.
Saleh claimed the Men’s Division 1 title with a net score of 68, edging Peter Igbi on countback.
While Lady Tobin topped the Ladies Division 1 category with a net score of 75, while Kafayat Bamimore finished first runner-up on 76.
Saleh told NAN that winning the NLNG trophy for the first time was deeplfulfilling after several near misses.
He described golf as a passion that brings joy, discipline and stress relief.
“Winning the NLNG Golf Classic for the first time is special. It’s a reward for patience, passion and years of dedication to the game,”he said.
He praised the organisers of the tournament and credited focus and experience for his victory.
Lady Tobin also expressed gratitude to the organisers, saying that the competition tested skill, patience and consistency.
She described the tournament as competitive and professionally organised, adding that the serene BIGC course added to the quality of the championship.
“This win means a lot to me. The course was challenging, but consistency and calmness made the difference,” she said.
NAN also reports that the BIGC Captain, Abubakar Hussaini claimed the best gross prize after posting an impressive gross score of 80.
The immediate past BIGC Lady Captain, Nnena Ahube, won the ladies’ best gross prize.
In the BIGC/NLNG Men’s Division 2 category, Sonny Fombo returned a net score of 65 to emerge winner, while Oludare Oyegbami finished first runner-up with 73 net.
Bessie Obei won the BIGC/NLNG Ladies Division 2 title with a net score of 74, while Marytina Osuchukwu placed first runner-up on 77 net.
In the Guest men’s category, Ewache Iyoko emerged winner with 68 net, while Michael Jaja finished first runner-up with 74 net.
Love Ndarake claimed the Guest ladies’ title after returning 72 net, while immediate past Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN) President, Evelyn Oyome, finished first runner-up with 75 net.
Osa Cookey emerged winner of the Veteran men’s category with 74 net, while Mark Yalaju finished first runner-up on 77 net.
Florence Edeki won the Veteran ladies’ category, while newly elected LGAN President, Lami Ahmed, finished as first runner-up ahead of her inaugural tournament scheduled for Feb. 14 in Abuja.
In the technical prizes, Charles Uleh won the longest drive award in the men’s category, while Ochade Ajabor claimed the ladies’ prize.
Joshua Anemeje won the men’s straightest drive award, while Bridget Ogwah took the honours in the ladies’ category.
Emmanuel Onyekwena won the nearest-to-the-pin award in the men’s category, while Dr Atiemie Braide-Lolomari claimed the ladies’ prize.
Dr Sophie Horsfall, Chief Host and NLNG General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, said the event strengthened bonds among industry stakeholders.
Horsfall said its goal was to bring all NLNG stakeholders and partners from all over the country in an atmosphere of friendship and camaraderie.
She also said that golf aligned with NLNG’s values of teamwork, excellence and national development.
“Golf brings people together. At NLNG, we see it as a platform for strengthening relationships and advancing our shared vision for Nigeria.
“The classic reflects NLNG’s commitment to partnership, unity and excellence,” she said.
BIGC Captain, Abubakar Hussaini, thanked participants and partners for honouring the invitation despite demanding schedules.
“I want to thank all the various organisations and golf clubs represented here, starting with our regulators, NCDMB and NMDPRA, as well as our shareholders, NNPC, Shell, Total and Eni
“Thank you for honouring our invitation as it takes some investment of time to come to Bonny to play our lovely and unique course.
“I hope over the last two days you have had the opportunity of playing and enjoying our beautiful surroundings,” he said.
Hussaini said the club remained committed to promoting golf and hospitality in Bonny. (NAN
