Team Upstream Commercial Asset has emerged champions of the 2025 World Corporate Golf Challenge (WCGC) Nigeria qualifiers, securing a consecutive victory and earning the right to represent the country at the global finals in China this October.
The high-stakes, two-day competition, held at the golf section of Ikoyi Club 1938, concluded with Team Upstream – comprising Akeem Lawal and Pat Ozoemene – topping the leaderboard with a combined 78 Stableford points. The duo edged past Team GTI Group, represented by Bayo Alli and retired General Musbau Amolegbe, on countback.
Also finishing with 78 Stableford points was Team Tim Maguire and Pierre Sebillet, who settled for third place on countback. Team Davisther Insurance Brokers, made up of Sopriye Iketubosin and Olubanwo Latilo, came in fourth, while Team Jotun – featuring former Ikoyi Club captain Uwem Udoh and Jagdish Jethvani – completed the top five with a score of 76 Stableford points, including a remarkable 46 points in a single round.
Team Upstream, reflecting on their performance, expressed confidence in improving on last year’s showing at the WCGC World Finals in Haikou, China, where Nigeria finished ninth out of over 35 participating nations. With this year’s finals set for Shanghai from 19 to 23 October, the team said they are better prepared and inspired to deliver a more formidable outing.
Beyond the competition, the World Finals present a platform to project Nigeria’s positive image, according to Remi Olukoya, CEO of Falcon Golf Development Company (FGDC), organisers of the local tournament.
“There are so many benefits that come with participating in the World Finals,” Olukoya said. “Apart from boosting the country’s image, the team also showcases our culture and heritage through their character and appearance.”
Among the sponsors of the 2025 WCGC Nigeria event was Suzuki by CFAO. The brand’s representative, Assatou Diouf, commended the quality of the tournament and reaffirmed CFAO’s support, particularly for FGDC’s Youth Golf Initiative.
“Growing the sport at the grassroots level is a mission CFAO proudly supports,” Diouf noted.
The WCGC, regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious corporate golf events, continues to provide a unique blend of sport and corporate networking, and with Team Upstream set to fly the Nigerian flag once again, expectations are high for another strong showing on the global stage.
