By Victor Okoye
Abuja, April 13, 2025 (NAN) Deontay Amate has emerged as the overall winner of the 2025 IBB Captain’s Cup in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tournament which teed-off on Monday ended on Saturday at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.
Amate who played off handicap 14, returned a gross score of 81 and 67 net and beat his closest challenger M. Suleiman on countback to emerge the overall winner of the tourney.
Suleiman, who also played off handicap 4, with 73 gross and 69 net finished as best nett in the men’s division 1 (handicap 0 – 10) category.
While Isaiah Okonofua playing off handicap 10 with 80 gross and 70 nett, settled for the runner-up nett position, after he beat M.B Hassan on countback.
In the ladies division 1 (handicap 0 – 15) category, former lady captain and BOT member, Grace Ihonvbere playing off handicap 14 returned a gross score of 84 and 70 nett to emerge as best nett.
While teenage sensation, Grace Agbo, playing off handicap 6, with 80 gross and 74 nett took home the runner-up prize in the category.
The men’s best gross prize for division 1 ( handicap 0 -11) went to M. Suleiman, who played a total of 159 gross (80+79) over two days.
While, Okonofua emerged men’s best gross winner of the men’s division 2 category (handicap 11 – 28), after playing a total of 167 gross (81 + 86) over two days.
Former Nigeria number one ranked golfer Andrew Odoh emerged winner of the professional category after playing 66 gross, while U. Ogbuokiri won the ladies’ pro category with 80 gross.
The Special Guest of Honour, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, was represented by Hon. Martins Esin.
Abbas extended his warm congratulations to the leadership and esteemed members of the club, as well as the sponsors and partners for the successful hosting of this year’s Captain’s Cup.
“Your preference and excellence continue to raise the profile of golf in Nigeria and this tournament has once again proven the power of sports to unite, inspire, and uplift.
“I specially commend the sponsors and partners of the tournament, for their unwavering support which has not only sustained this great event, but has also played a vital role in promoting the game of golf across the nation.
“Your contributions speak volumes about the value of public/private partnership in advancing recreational and sporting excellence,” he said.
The Speaker also affirmed his unflinching support for the IBB International Golf and Country Club, and for the continued development of golf in Nigeria.
The outgoing captain, Ibrahim Babayo expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all the participants who came out to celebrate him.
Babayo, however, said that the event was not just about celebration, but a moment to reflect, to take a walk down memory lane and to recall the gains of his Executive Committee.
“We were given clear and critical mandates; to register the club’s constitution, to inaugurate the committee for filling vacancies in the BOT, to ensure the Forensic Audit Committee carried out its responsibilities and to inaugurate and support the Disciplinary Committee and the Audit Committee.
“We took off with purpose and ensured that each of these tasks were carried through to its logical conclusion —with diligence, transparency, and commitment,” he said.
He said he was proud to have led an effective Exco which achieved so much in the period of one year.He mentioned some of the milestones achieved to include: the complete restoration of the gold course, and the current works been carried out on hole 13 to solve the perennial problem of flooding.
The captain noted that others were; the replacement of all sprinklers and repair of critical maintenance machinery, the renovation of the clubhouse reception by Julius Berger as part of their CSR, amongst several other accomplishments to numerous to mention.
“These accomplishments are a testament not just to the Exco, but to the collective will and support of every single member of this club.
“Your cooperation, your belief in this team, and your unwavering support made it all possible.
“As we prepare to hand over the baton, we do so with our heads held high, proud of the journey, and excited for the future of IBB International Golf and Country Club.
“Thank you all for your trust and support, and above all, thank you for allowing us to serve,” he said.(NAN)
Victor Okoye is a trending sports writer and senior editor with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Okoye is also the current Vice Chairman of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), FCT Chapter
