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 NLNG, 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.
Lady Tobin topped the Ladies Division 1 category with a net score of 75, while last year’s winner, Kafayat Bamimore, narrowly missed out on defending her title, finishing as first runner-up with a score of 76.
Saleh told NAN that winning the NLNG trophy for the first time was a special and fulfilling moment for him.
He described golf as a sport he has come to love for the joy, discipline, and calm it brings, adding that his progress has been helped by steady practice, guidance, and support from others.
“I’ve played football and tennis most of my life, and I only started golf less than three years ago.
“So to win this early is a pleasant surprise, and I’m grateful. I’ve had good people around me, and I’ve just tried to stay consistent, listen, and keep learning.
“This is encouragement for me to keep working, improve my game, and enjoy the journey,” he said.
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 emerged winner with a net score of 65, while Oludare Oyegbami finished as first runner-up on 73.
Fombo also clinched the Overall Best Net title in the men’s category.
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 Sophia 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 (in absentia), 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 golfing friendship across the country.
NAN reports that the NLNG Golf Classic 2025 was held in January 2026 following a rescheduling prompted by a clash with the valedictory engagements of the immediate past Managing Director, Dr. Philip Mshelbila.
As a longstanding supporter of the tournament, his presence and encouragement over the years have continued to strengthen the spirit and prestige of the Classic.
Attendees expressed their appreciation for his unwavering support and wished him well in his new appointment.
The event was accordingly moved to early January, shortly after the holidays, to ensure a smooth turnout once participants had resumed for the new year.
NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
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