Murtala Saleh wins NLNG Golf Classic men’s title

Murtala Saleh and Lady Gladys Tobin emerged as the overall champions in the men’s and ladies’ categories at the 2025 NLNG Golf Classic, held at the Bonny Island Golf Club (BIGC) in Rivers State. The two-day invitational tournament, sponsored by the Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), marked the sixth edition of the annual classic and drew […]

Murtala Saleh and Lady Gladys Tobin emerged as the overall champions in the men’s and ladies’ categories at the 2025 NLNG Golf Classic, held at the Bonny Island Golf Club (BIGC) in Rivers State.

The two-day invitational tournament, sponsored by the Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), marked the sixth edition of the annual classic and drew over 100 golfers across various divisions to compete on the scenic Bonny course.

Saleh claimed the Men’s Division 1 title with a net score of 68, edging Peter Igbi on a countback to win the prestigious NLNG trophy for the first time.

The victory was a milestone for Saleh, who described golf as a sport he has grown to love for the joy, discipline, and calm it brings. “I’ve played football and tennis most of my life, and I only started golf less than three years ago,” he said. “So to win this early is a pleasant surprise, and I’m grateful… This is encouragement for me to keep working, improve my game, and enjoy the journey.”

In the Ladies Division 1, Lady Gladys Tobin emerged victorious with a net score of 75, while last year’s champion Kafayat Bamimore finished as first runner-up with 76, narrowly missing the chance to defend her title.

Tobin praised the tournament’s organisation and the challenge posed by the BIGC course. “This win means a lot to me. The course was challenging, but consistency and calmness made the difference,” she said.

Golf Digest reports that BIGC Captain Abubakar Hussaini won the best gross prize with an impressive score of 80, while Nnena Ahube took the ladies’ best gross award. In the Men’s Division 2, Sonny Fombo won with a net score of 65 and also claimed the overall best net prize, while Oludare Oyegbami finished runner-up. Bessie Obei won the Ladies Division 2 with 74 net, and Marytina Osuchukwu was runner-up on 77.

Other notable winners included Ewache Iyoko (guest men), Love Ndarake (guest ladies), Osa Cookey (veteran men), and Florence Edeki (veteran ladies). Technical prizes went to Charles Uleh (longest drive men), Ochade Ajabor (longest drive ladies), Joshua Anemeje (straightest drive men), Bridget Ogwah (straightest drive ladies), Emmanuel Onyekwena (nearest-to-pin men) and Dr. Atiemie Braide-Lolomari (nearest-to-pin ladies).

Dr. Sophia Horsfall, NLNG’s General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, said the event strengthened bonds among stakeholders and aligned with NLNG’s values of teamwork and excellence.

BIGC Captain Hussaini also expressed gratitude to participants and partners, while noting the club’s commitment to promoting golfing friendship across Nigeria.

The NLNG Golf Classic 2025 was held in January 2026 after a rescheduling due to the valedictory engagements of former NLNG Managing Director Dr. Philip Mshelbila.