Kenyan golf prodigy Justine Ngeera has emerged winner of the 12th Awa Ibraheem Junior Golf Competition, held at the Ikeja Golf Club, Lagos, becoming the tournament’s first international champion.
The World Amateur Golf Ranking event attracted participants from Nigeria, Ghana, and Cameroon, with Ngeera’s victory marking a historic milestone for the competition.
In the boys’ category, Nigerian golfer Matthew Ayin finished second, while Uno Ogoh placed third. In the girls’ 14–16 division, Akafu Ebehi from Benue claimed the top spot, followed by Peace Aduma and Sharon Okolo in second and third positions respectively.
Lewis Dandyson from Rivers State won the 12–13 boys’ category, ahead of Orungbeja Mayomile and Caleb Dada, while Josephine Benjamin topped the girls’ 12–13 group, with Makareem Adams and Danielle Olanrewaju taking second and third.
In the younger categories, Wilson Izang won the boys’ 9–11, and Toluwase Balogun emerged champion in the girls’ 9–11 division, ahead of Funmilayo Oyero and Ghana’s Yvonne Dorm. The boys’ 6–8 category saw Melvin Strasser from Lagos take first place, followed by Adama Ogoh and Marzuk Adams.
During the prize presentation, chief sponsor Awa Ibraheem announced that international winners would receive their prize money in U.S. dollars. He noted that while this year marked the 13th year of the initiative, it was the 12th edition due to a missed year.
Ibraheem said the programme was designed to encourage young people to take up golf and promote the sport at the grassroots, adding that participation had now expanded beyond Nigeria.
“This is the only junior golf ranking event in Africa. Anyone wishing to play golf globally should take part,” he said.
He revealed that Nigeria’s current golf champion was a product of the event, having won it twice before turning professional, and thanked sponsors, parents, and organisers for supporting youth development through golf.
Expressing his delight, Ngeera said he was proud to win despite competing outside his home country.
“I’ve been playing golf for seven years. This is my first international win, and I thank God it went well,” he said.
Ngeera added that he discovered the tournament online and convinced his parents to let him participate while visiting Nigeria.
Winners received cash prizes, one-year scholarships, and trophies for their outstanding performances.
