Yohanna Triumphs At LGAN President’s Inaugural Golf Day Tourney

Mercy Yohanna has claimed overall victory at the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN) President and 2025-2027 Executive Committee Inaugural Invitational Golf Day in Abuja.

The tournament, hosted at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Golf Club, saw Yohanna, playing off a handicap of 28, card a winning score of 93 gross and 65 net. Expressing her delight, Yohanna described the win as “encouraging and memorable,” attributing her success to “discipline and consistency on the course.”

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event also saw stiff competition in the Ladies Division One, with S.J. Marcus securing second place on countback with 81 gross and 67 net. Justina Gideon recorded the Best Gross with 73, while Pat Ozoemene was runner-up gross with 75. Lydia Anenga topped Division Two, and Udoo Ugbor and Helen Mark won the Veteran Ladies and Veteran Women categories respectively.

In the Men’s Division One, A.O. Ayanbode emerged victorious with 79 gross and 63 net, ahead of E.O. Alade. Chief Samuel Anyamele (Onwa) won the Super Veteran title and generously donated N10 million (approximately £5,500) to support Nigeria’s hosting of the All Africa Challenge Trophy.

The prestigious continental championship, powered by The R&A, is scheduled to take place from 1st to 7th November at the IBB International Golf and Country Club. Anyamele emphasised the tournament’s significance, stating it offers Nigeria a “big deal” opportunity to “reshape its global image” and promote golf tourism.

Dr. Lami Onayi Ahmed, LGAN President, expressed her satisfaction with the nearly 200-strong turnout at the Valentine’s Day-themed event, which she hailed as a “celebration of love, unity, and sportsmanship.” She reiterated her executive’s commitment to advancing women’s golf in Nigeria and highlighted the “national assignment” of hosting the All Africa Challenge Trophy, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of unity through sports.

Engr. Andrew Yakubu, event chairman, commended the LGAN executive for their “organisational excellence” and pledged continued support. AVM B.D. Solomon, Captain of the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Golf Club, expressed honour at hosting the inaugural event, noting the “impressive turnout… reflects the growing strength of women’s golf in Nigeria.”

Igbierebo Ogolo, LGAN Public Relations Officer, praised President Ahmed’s “unprecedented” leadership, noting that the inaugural activities included a world press conference, the unveiling of the AACT logo, and a retreat. She added, “With November approaching, we are fully prepared to host Africa and showcase Nigeria’s organisational strength and hospitality.”

A special recognition was given to Prince Vince Osawe for achieving a hole-in-one on Hole 13. The event also included the decoration of the new president and executive committee members, and the induction of AACT ambassadors. NAN