Teenage golf prodigy Grace Agbo has emerged champion in the 2025 Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN) Northern Zone Golf Championship held at the picturesque Minna Cantonment Golf Club.
In a fiercely contested tournament that drew over 250 golfers from across the nation, Agbo from the IBB International Golf and Country Club Abuja, emerged as the best gross winner, with a cumulative gross score of 246 over three days of the tournament. She outperformed 45 other competitors within the ladies’ handicap 0-18 category to secure the prestigious title at the weekend.
Agbo’s journey was not without its challenges; after a shaky start resulting in a gross score of 90 on Day 1, she fell to fourth place in the standings. However, the 18-year-old quickly regrouped to post an improved score of 83 on Day 2, tying for second place alongside Janet Ali, who recorded scores of 87 and 86.
Displaying remarkable resilience, Agbo delivered her best performance on the final day, recording an impressive gross score of 73, which clinched her victory.
“First of all, I want to say thank you to God Almighty for this victory,” she said.
“I also want to express my sincere gratitude to my caddy Emmanuel and my coach for their valuable tips and guidance throughout the tournament.
“I consider this one of my most significant wins ever, especially since I started nervously due to this being my first time playing this course. My greatest challenge was dealing with the mango trees scattered across the course, but I managed to conquer my fears and anxieties after Day 1 and never looked back.”
Agbo aspires to build upon her achievements in golf, expressing her desire to turn professional and represent Nigeria on international tours and courses.
Her closest rival, Justina Gideon, finished second with a total gross score of 259, having recorded scores of 87, 86, and 86 over the three days, narrowly edging out Janet Ali, who also finished with 259 gross (scores of 86, 88, and 85).
Rahama Inusa, who led the tournament after an impressive 82 on Day 1 and maintained her position with an 87 on Day 2, faltered under pressure on the final day, finishing fourth with a total gross score of 260 after a disappointing 91.
In other category results, Bose Ilori won the ladies handicap 19-28 category with a total gross of 275 (93, 93, 89), while LGAN President Evelyn Oyome took the ladies guest category title with a gross score of 169 (85, 84) over two days. Saleh Martina triumphed in the ladies veterans category with a score of 204 (101, 103), and Habiba Ibrahim secured victory in the special category for handicaps 29-36 with a gross score of 115.
All winners and participants were rewarded with trophies, medals, and gifts, marking a successful tournament.
Dr Lami Ahmed, LGAN’s First Vice President, expressed her gratitude to all who contributed to the event’s success, including the Local Organising Committee (LOC), the Commandant of TRADOC, and the Captain of MCGC. She extended heartfelt thanks to the LGAN Vice Presidents from various zones for making the event a memorable occasion.
“On behalf of the National President, Evelyn Oyome, and the entire team, I want to express our sincere appreciation for your participation in the tournament at the Minna Cantonment Golf Club,” she stated. “Your presence truly made this event special, and we hope you enjoyed your time both on and off the course.”
LOC Chairperson Maureen Apute also shared her thanks on behalf of Dr Ahmed and the LOC, highlighting the tournament’s success in bringing together golfers from diverse backgrounds, ages, and skill levels.
“Thank you to all our sponsors and stakeholders for your invaluable support, and to our wonderful lady golfers, your participation made the tournament vibrant and enjoyable.
“Lastly, we thank God for a successful outing,” she concluded. (NAN)
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