Lagos, Nigeria: A rising golf star from Kenya, Justine Ngeera has made headlines after clinching the top prize at a prestigious youth tournament held in Lagos.
The World Amateur Golf Ranking event featured participants from Nigeria, Ghana, and Cameroon. Ngeera made history as the tournament’s first international winner.
Nigerian golfer Matthew Ayin finished second, while Uno Ogoh placed third in the boys’ category.
In the girls’ 14–16 category, Benue’s Akafu Ebehi emerged as the winner, followed by Peace Aduma and Sharon Okolo in second and third positions, respectively.
Lewis Dandyson from Rivers State won the 12–13 boys’ category, while Orungbeja Mayomile and Caleb Dada came second and third.
Josephine Benjamin won the girls’ 12–13 group, with Makareem Adams and Danielle Olanrewaju finishing second and third, respectively.
Wilson Izang triumphed in the boys’ 9–11 category, followed by Fortune George and Emmanuel Adah.
In the girls’ 9–11 division, Toluwase Balogun won, while Funmilayo Oyero and Ghana’s Yvonne Dorm placed second and third.
Melvin Strasser from Lagos won the boys’ 6–8 category, with Adama Ogoh and Marzuk Adams finishing second and third.
During the prize presentation, Chief sponsor, Awa Ibraheem, said the international winners would receive their prize money in U.S. dollars.
He explained that this was the 13th year of organising the programme, but the 12th edition because one year was missed.
Ibraheem said the initiative aimed to encourage young people to play golf and promote the sport at the grassroots level.
He added that participation had expanded beyond Nigeria, with players now coming from Ghana and Cameroon.
“This is the only junior golf ranking event in Africa. Anyone wishing to play golf globally should take part,” he said.
He noted that Nigeria’s current golf champion was a product of the event, having won it twice before turning professional.
Ibraheem appreciated sponsors, parents, and organisers for their continued support and commitment to youth development through golf.
Ngeera expressed joy after his victory, saying he was proud to win despite not playing on his home course.
He thanked his parents for their encouragement, describing the event as a great competition on a well-maintained course.
He said he discovered the tournament online and persuaded his family to allow him to compete while visiting Nigeria.
“I’ve been playing golf for seven years. This is my first international win, and I thank God it went well,” he said.
Winners received cash prizes, one-year scholarships, and giant trophies for their outstanding performances.