David Gabriel has emerged winner of the second edition of the West Africa Masters (The Rowland Adewumi Cup), returning a gross score of 68 at TYB International Golf Resort and Country Club, Abuja.

The competition was organised by the West Africa Masters Golf Foundation, custodians of the Rowland Adewumi Cup, and powered by Kabom Golf Developers.

Gabriel clinched the top prize of N2.5 million after outplaying 71 other professionals in the tournament, which featured a total prize purse of N13 million.

The second edition followed the inaugural tournament held at IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja, in 2024.

The event also featured the unveiling of the blue jacket, which has become the symbol of the West Africa Masters Championship and is worn by the winner of the Rowland Adewumi Cup.

Gabriel smiled home with the first prize of N2.5 million after overcoming a strong field of professional golfers drawn from Abuja and other parts of Nigeria.

He expressed delight at winning the competition, describing the victory as special because of the quality of players who participated.

He said: “I am very happy to win this great event, especially with so many accomplished professionals competing. It is a privilege to emerge champion among such talented golfers.”

Gabriel said the tournament held special significance for him because he participated in the inaugural edition but did not perform as expected.

He commended the organisers for sustaining the competition, adding that events of this nature provided professionals with opportunities to compete, improve their skills and earn income.

He added, “I wanted to finish among the winners, but I am grateful to have emerged champion. I thank everyone who contributed to making this tournament successful.”

The younger brother of Oche Odoh, a former number one-ranked golfer in Nigeria, Emmanuel Odoh, finished second with a gross score of 69, while Azu Ijeoma also returned 69 to complete the top three positions.

In the ladies’ category, Tina Micah emerged winner with a gross score of 76, while Stephanie Dafor finished second with 77.

Micah expressed happiness over her victory, describing it as an encouraging achievement that would motivate her to continue improving her game.

She said competitions of this nature were important because they provided golfers with opportunities to test their abilities, gain experience and improve their performances.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the FCT Golf Association and organiser of the tournament, Akabom Enebong, said the competition was designed to promote professional golf and create more opportunities for players.

Enebong said the participation of 72 golfers demonstrated growing interest in the tournament and represented a significant step towards establishing a strong professional golf competition in Nigeria.

He said: “We are building our own version of the professional golf events organised in Europe and other parts of the world. We are happy that the second edition has been successful.

“Sports is a billion-dollar business globally. We must encourage more Nigerians to invest in it because it offers opportunities for employment, income generation and national development.”

He expressed gratitude to the military authorities for providing facilities for the tournament and commended the sponsors for supporting the competition.

Enebong said the initial prize purse of N12 million was increased to N13 million following additional support from Dame Julie Donli on the tournament day.

He commended the organising subcommittee, led by Omo Alokwe, and Navy Commodore Sola Adebayo for their commitment and effective coordination of the tournament.

Among the dignitaries at the ceremonial tee-off were the Chief of Defence Accounts and Budget at Defence Headquarters, Maj-Gen. Samson Jiya, represented by XL Dangaji, and Nancy Nathan, the FCT Head of Service.

Others included Dame Julie Donli, former Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and immediate past Lady Captain of IBB International Golf and Country Club, as well as Otunba Rowland Adewumi, sponsor of the tournament.