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Uwana Fombo has emerged champion of the 2026 Bonny Island Golf Club (BIGC) Ladies Invitational and Breast Cancer Awareness Tournament.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Fombo, playing off a handicap of 32, returned 34 points to win the Division One ladies’ category at Bonny Island Golf Club on Saturday.
She finished ahead of Bridget Ogwah, handicap 29, who returned 33 points, while Bessie Obei, handicap 35, placed third with 32 points after a countback.
Fombo described the victory as particularly special, expressing delight at her performance and the opportunity to celebrate the achievement with her husband.
“I dedicate this victory to my husband, whose happiness and encouragement mean so much to me. Seeing how delighted he was with my performance made the achievement even more memorable,” she said.
She expressed gratitude to the tournament’s sponsors and organisers for providing a platform for golfers to compete while promoting breast cancer awareness.
“I sincerely appreciate the sponsors, organisers and everyone who contributed to the success of this tournament. Their commitment made the competition possible, and I hope the event will continue to grow in impact and participation,” she said.
BIGC Lady Captain, Marytina Osuchukwu, described the tournament as an important platform for promoting women’s participation in golf while raising awareness about breast cancer.
Marytina, who hosted the event, said the competition also provided an opportunity to strengthen relationships among club members, invited golfers and other stakeholders.
“Our goal is not only to promote competitive golf but also to use the game to support a worthy cause such as breast cancer awareness. We are delighted to have brought golfers together to celebrate the sport and promote a message that affects women, families and communities,” she said.
She commended the sponsors, participants, club members and organising team for their contributions to the successful staging of the tournament.
“I sincerely appreciate our sponsors and everyone who supported us in making this event possible. Their commitment and cooperation were essential to its success, and we hope to build on this experience in future editions,” Marytina said.
She added that the tournament underscored the importance of creating opportunities for more women to participate in golf and encouraging greater public engagement with breast cancer awareness initiatives.
In Division Two of the ladies’ category, Boma Okoh, playing off handicap 36, emerged winner with 27 points.
Marytina, also playing off handicap 36, finished second with 25 points, while Ibifiri Mangete, handicap 36, placed third with 24 points.
The tournament, which began on Wednesday with the Caddies competition and a cocktail event on Friday, featured six competitive categories involving members of BIGC and the Nigeria LNG (NLNG) golfing community, alongside invited guests.
In the men’s Division One category, Murtala Saleh, playing off handicap 9, won with 38 points.
Okey Ahube, handicap 13, finished second with 35 points after a countback, while Hafiz Iyal Abdullahi, handicap 15, also returned 35 points to place third.
Sonny Fombo, playing off handicap 22, won the men’s Division Two category with 42 points.
Omolulu Osinusi, handicap 24, finished second with 41 points, while Joshua Anemeje, handicap 25, placed third with 35 points.
In the guest men’s category, Bolaji Salami, playing off handicap 18, emerged winner with 34 points.
Igwe Acholonu, handicap 11, finished second with 28 points, while Tukur Mohammed Gazali, handicap 17, placed third with 27 points.
Adaugo Martins, playing off handicap 18, won the guest ladies’ category with 30 points.
Maryanne Udoka, handicap 24, finished second with 28 points, while Edirin Orhoro handicap 21, placed third with 27 points.
The competition also featured technical prizes recognising players’ precision and driving ability.
Debo Oyelahan won the men’s nearest-to-the-pin prize, recording 3.4 metres, while Obei claimed the ladies’ award with 1.2 metres.
Osinusi won the men’s straightest-drive prize with 5.0 metres, while Marytina claimed the ladies’ award with 0.05 metres.
Ahube and Martins won the longest-drive prizes in the men’s and ladies’ categories, respectively.
The tournament combined competitive golf with breast cancer awareness, providing an opportunity to promote engagement around the disease while bringing together golfers and guests.
The event also highlighted the role of sporting competitions in fostering social connections, celebrating achievement and supporting awareness initiatives.