Makinde Makes History, Wins Third Nigeria Cup Title

The 29th edition of the annual Nigeria Cup Golf Tournament came to a thrilling end at the golf section of Ikoyi Club 1938 over the weekend with Mike Makinde emerging as the winner.

The victory was the third for the 7-handicap golfer and thus became the first golfer ever to win three Nigeria Cup title.

His first victory in the tournament was recorded in 2022 and successfully defended it a year later.

Over the weekend Makinde capped a successful run with another scintillating score of 65 net to win the tournament by 4-shots, leaving his closest rival, Anscy Okoebor in the second position, while Abiola Johnson was further down in the third position.

Makinde, who stole the show for the third time recorded his first victory in 2022, successfully defended it in 2023, missed out for Tayo Babalakin in 2024 and Paul Tijani in 2025 before returning to winning ways again in 2026.

Happy with the victory, Makinde thanked members of the organising committee for a job well-done while describing his victory as a product of hard work. “I consider wining again as an important part of my golfing career. I’m excited and happy with the outcome of this tournament,” he said, adding that he expects more victories in the years to come.

While Makinde relishes his victory, Akeem Lawal thumped others in the Gross Category for Men winning with 75-gross while Calli Udalor with a score of 76 came second. Peter Eben-Spiff completed the top three in the gross category.

Other winners in the keenly contested tournament include, Adeyosola Ayodele with 71-net won the Ladies Net Category while Evelyn Oyome won in the Gross Category for Ladies.

Satisfied with the outcome of the week-long competition, Chairman, Organising Committee of 2026 Nigeria Cup, Mohammed Oyibo, thanked “sponsors, members of the organising committee and golfers for their participations and commitment to keeping the tournament alive.”

He said that the committee’s assignment was guided by the need to elevate and deliver an unforgettable week of golf to golfers.

The Nigeria Cup was put together to celebrate the nation’s independence anniversary.