Veteran golfer, Kwadiri Kwaga Yusuf, has emerged champion of the 2025 Tukur Yusuf Buratai International Golf Resort and Country Club (TYB-IGRCC) Independence Golf Tournament in Abuja.
The week-long competition, held in commemoration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, also paid tribute to retired and serving officers of the Nigerian Army.
Yusuf, a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC), defeated over 400 golfers after playing off handicap 16 and returning a total gross score of 80 and 67 net to finish as the overall net winner.
Speaking after his victory, an elated Yusuf described his triumph as the result of perseverance and determination.
‘I am happy about this win after spending 5 hours on the course I was not supposed to play at the regular session. I registered as a veteran. Unfortunately, when I saw the draw, my name was drawn in the regular and I came to the club to play it. And the organizer said, okay. They could still return me back to veteran. If I’m not interested in playing the regular, I said no problem. Of course, I did very well. I was doing very well. I gave my best and I thank the people I played with for their encouragement,’ he said.
The men’s categories witnessed intense competition. Chukwuma Nwude, Gabriel Egwurube, and DD Dilli fought hard in the handicap (21-28) group, with Dilli emerging as net winner, while SS Jiya claimed the gross title.
In the (13-20) handicap group, Nicholas Ashinze, D Ladan, and Usman Danladi battled closely, while in the lower handicap categories (6-12 and 0-5), Rueben Egughe and Gabriel Godwin stood out as winners, with Babajide Ashebu and Timothy Mike excelling in gross play.
The guest category added extra excitement as Paul Odoh Junior showed composure to secure the net winner award, while Effiong Okon took the best gross. Among the ladies, Justina Gideon shone as the gross winner, with Jennifer Shaapera claiming the net title.
The ladies’ event was equally competitive with Faridah Wada emerging victorious in the (0-18) handicap group, while Longdi Paul topped the gross category. In the (19-36) division, Tessy Johnson and Sarah Nkwariza impressed with strong performances.
Veterans also left their mark as Mike Ekoja’s precision earned him the Veteran Net Winner award, while Ahmed Oseni and M. Richard Obioha impressed in their respective categories. In the Super Veteran division, Dibu Ojerinde and Sunday Ehindero showcased remarkable resilience and consistency.