Saleh, Tobin Crowned Champions At 2025 NLNG Golf Classic

Murtala Saleh and Lady Gladys Tobin have triumphed in the men’s and ladies’ categories, respectively, at the recently concluded 2025 NLNG Golf Classic held on Bonny Island, Rivers State.

The two-day invitational tournament, sponsored by NLNG and marking its sixth edition, teed off on Friday and concluded on Saturday at the Bonny Island Golf Club (BIGC). Over 100 golfers competed across various divisions on the club’s picturesque course.

Saleh secured the Men’s Division 1 title with a net score of 68, narrowly beating Peter Igbi on countback. Lady Tobin topped the Ladies Division 1 category with a net score of 75, with last year’s winner, Kafayat Bamimore, finishing as runner-up with a score of 76.

Speaking after his win, Saleh described claiming the NLNG trophy for the first time as a “special and fulfilling moment.” He credited consistent practice and support for his rapid progress in the sport, having only taken up golf less than three years ago. “To win this early is a pleasant surprise, and I’m grateful,” he remarked.

Lady Tobin also expressed her gratitude to the organisers, highlighting the challenging yet professionally run nature of the tournament. “This win means a lot to me. The course was challenging, but consistency and calmness made the difference,” she stated.

In other notable results, BIGC Captain Abubakar Hussaini won the best gross prize with an impressive score of 80, while immediate past BIGC Lady Captain Nnena Ahube claimed the ladies’ best gross prize. Sonny Fombo emerged as the winner in the BIGC/NLNG Men’s Division 2 and also clinched the Overall Best Net title. Bessie Obei won the BIGC/NLNG Ladies Division 2.

The guest categories saw Ewache Iyoko win the men’s division and Love Ndarake take the ladies’ title. Osa Cookey and Florence Edeki were victorious in the veteran men’s and ladies’ categories, respectively.

Technical prizes were awarded to Charles Uleh (men’s longest drive), Ochade Ajabor (ladies’ longest drive), Joshua Anemeje (men’s straightest drive), Bridget Ogwah (ladies’ straightest drive), Emmanuel Onyekwena (men’s nearest-to-the-pin), and Dr Atiemie Braide-Lolomari (ladies’ nearest-to-the-pin).

Dr Sophia Horsfall, Chief Host and NLNG General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, emphasised that the event fostered stronger bonds among industry stakeholders and aligned with NLNG’s values of teamwork, excellence, and national development.

BIGC Captain Abubakar Hussaini thanked participants and partners for their attendance, acknowledging the commitment required to travel to Bonny Island.

The NLNG Golf Classic 2025 was held in January 2026, following a rescheduling to avoid a clash with the valedictory engagements of the immediate past Managing Director, Dr Philip Mshelbila, whose longstanding support for the tournament was widely appreciated by attendees.