Ado Salisu
Mercy Yohanna delivered a standout performance to emerge overall winner at the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN) President and 2025–2027 Executive Committee Inaugural Invitational Kitty, held at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Golf Club.
Playing off handicap 28, Yohanna returned an impressive 93 gross and 65 net to secure victory in the keenly contested tournament, which attracted nearly 200 golfers from across the country.
An elated Yohanna described her triumph as both memorable and motivating.
“I feel very excited winning this prestigious kitty. The competition was keen, and I had to stay focused throughout the round,” she said.
She attributed her success to discipline and consistency, noting that patience and precision, especially on the back nine, proved decisive. Yohanna also commended the association’s leadership for organising a high-quality tournament, describing it as a positive step toward advancing women’s golf in Nigeria.
In the Ladies Division One category, S.J. Marcus finished second on countback after returning 81 gross and 67 net. Justina Gideon claimed the Best Gross prize with 73, while Pat Ozoemene emerged runner-up gross with 75.
Lydia Anenga topped Division Two, while Udoo Ugbor and Helen Mark won the Veteran Ladies and Veteran Women categories respectively.
In the men’s competition, A.O. Ayanbode clinched the Division One title with 79 gross and 63 net, ahead of E.O. Alade. Meanwhile, Samuel Anyamele (Onwa) won the Super Veteran category and announced a N10 million donation to support Nigeria’s hosting of the forthcoming All Africa Challenge Trophy.
The continental championship is scheduled to hold from Nov. 1 to Nov. 7 at the IBB International Golf and Country Club.
Anyamele described the donation as a patriotic gesture, noting that hosting the event presents Nigeria with an opportunity to boost its global image and stimulate economic activities through golf tourism.
“This is beyond sports. It is about economic growth, tourism, and national image,” he said, while calling for government and private sector support to ensure a successful championship.
LGAN President, Lami Onayi Ahmed, expressed delight at the large turnout, describing the Valentine’s Day-themed kitty as a celebration of unity, sportsmanship and progress in women’s golf.
She reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to expanding participation and strengthening Nigeria’s competitiveness, especially following the country’s successful bid to host the championship powered by The R&A.
Ahmed described the tournament as a national assignment aligned with the sports development vision of Bola Tinubu, emphasising its importance in promoting unity and projecting Nigeria positively on the continental stage.
Chairman of the event, Engr. Andrew Yakubu, praised the executive committee for its organisational excellence and expressed confidence in Nigeria’s ability to host a successful continental tournament.
Captain of the host club, AVM B.D. Solomon, also commended LGAN for selecting the facility, noting that the impressive turnout reflected the growing strength and popularity of women’s golf in Nigeria.
LGAN Public Relations Officer, Igbierebo Ogolo, said the association had already commenced preparations, including a press conference and logo unveiling at the TYB International Golf Resort and Country Club, ahead of the November championship.
She expressed confidence in Nigeria’s readiness to host over 20 African countries and showcase its organisational capacity and hospitality.
The tournament also witnessed a remarkable moment when Prince Vince Osawe recorded a hole-in-one on Hole 13, dedicating the feat to LGAN and his playing partners.
The event featured the decoration of newly elected LGAN executives and the induction of All Africa Challenge Trophy ambassadors, marking the beginning of a new leadership era for women’s golf in Nigeria.