Deontay Amate has emerged as the overall winner of the 2025 IBB Captain’s Cup, held at the prestigious IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja.
The tournament, which teed off last week Monday, came to a dramatic close over the weekend, with Amate—playing off handicap 14—returning a gross score of 81 and a 67 nett to edge past his closest rival, M. Suleiman, on countback.
Suleiman, who played off handicap 4 with 73 gross and 69 nett, finished as the runner-up nett in the fiercely contested men’s division 1 (handicap 0 – 10). Isaiah Okonofua, playing off handicap 10 with 80 gross and 70 nett, secured the second runner-up nett spot after edging M.B. Hassan on countback.
In the ladies division 1 (handicap 0 – 15), former lady captain and BOT member Grace Ihonvbere impressed with a gross score of 84 and 70 nett to take home the best nett prize. Teenage standout Grace Agbo, playing off handicap 6, followed closely with 80 gross and 74 nett to claim the runner-up position.
Suleiman also walked away with the men’s best gross prize for division 1 (handicap 0 – 11), recording a total of 159 gross (80+79) over two days. Okonofua topped the men’s division 2 category (handicap 11 – 28) for best gross with a two-day total of 167 (81 + 86).
Among the professionals, former Nigeria number one, Andrew Odoh, reasserted his dominance with a brilliant 66 gross to win the men’s pro category, while U. Ogbuokiri claimed victory in the ladies’ pro division with 80 gross.
The tournament drew the praise of dignitaries, including the Special Guest of Honour, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House of Representatives, represented by Hon. Martins Esin.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Outgoing captain Ibrahim Babayo expressed heartfelt appreciation to all participants and supporters of the event, noting it was a moment not just of celebration, but of reflection.
“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,” he said.
“We took off with purpose and ensured that each of these tasks were carried through to its logical conclusion—with diligence, transparency, and commitment.”
