Uwana Fombo wins the 2026 BIGC Ladies Invitational

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 with a handicap of 32, returned 34 points to win the Division One women’s category at the Bonny Island Golf Club on Saturday.

She finished ahead of Bridget Ogwah, handicap 29, who scored 33 points, while Bessie Obei, handicap 35, placed third with 32 points after a countback.

Fombo described the win as particularly special, expressing joy 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 happy he was with my performance made the achievement even more memorable,” she said.

She expressed gratitude to the sponsors and tournament organizers for providing a platform for golfers to compete while promoting breast cancer awareness.

“I sincerely appreciate the sponsors, organizers and everyone who contributed to the success of this tournament. Their commitment made the competition possible and I hope the event continues to grow in terms of impact and participation,” he said.

Marytina Osuchukwu, Lady Captain of the BIGC, described the tournament as an important platform to promote 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 between 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 like breast cancer awareness. We are pleased to have brought golfers together to celebrate the sport and promote a message that impacts women, families and communities,” she said.

He praised the sponsors, participants, club members and the organizing team for their contribution to the successful organization of the tournament.

“I sincerely appreciate our sponsors and everyone who supported us in making this event possible. Their commitment and collaboration were essential to its success and we hope to build on this experience in future editions,” said Marytina.

She added that the tournament highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for more women to participate in golf and encouraging greater public involvement in breast cancer awareness initiatives.

In the second division of the women’s category, Boma Okoh, playing with a handicap of 36, emerged winner with 27 points.

Marytina, also playing with a handicap of 36, came 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 party on Friday, featured six competitive categories involving members of the BIGC and the Nigeria LNG (NLNG) golf community, along with invited guests.

In the men’s Division One category, Murtala Saleh, playing with a handicap of 9, won with 38 points.

Okey Ahube, handicap 13, came second with 35 points after a countdown, while Hafiz Iyal Abdullahi, handicap 15, also scored 35 points to place third.

Sonny Fombo, playing with a 22 handicap, won the men’s Division Two category with 42 points.

Omolulu Osinusi, handicap 24, came second with 41 points, while Joshua Anemeje, handicap 25, placed third with 35 points.

In the guest men’s category, Bolaji Salami, playing with a handicap of 18, emerged as the winner with 34 points.

Igwe Acholonu, handicap 11, came second with 28 points, while Tukur Mohammed Gazali, handicap 17, placed third with 27 points.

Adaugo Martins, playing with a handicap of 18, won the guest women’s category with 30 points.

Maryanne Udoka, handicap 24, placed second with 28 points, while Edirin Orhoro, handicap 21, placed third with 27 points.

The competition also featured technical prizes recognizing players’ precision and driving ability.

Debo Oyelahan won the men’s closest to the pin award, recording 3.4 metres, while Obei won the women’s award with 1.2 metres.

Osinusi won the men’s straightest run award with 5.0 meters, while Marytina won the women’s award with 0.05 meters.

Ahube and Martins won the awards for the longest journey in the men’s and women’s categories respectively.

The tournament combined competitive golf with breast cancer awareness, providing an opportunity to promote advocacy around the disease and bring golfers and guests together.

The event also highlighted the role of sporting competitions in fostering social connections, celebrating achievements and supporting awareness initiatives.