Top tennis players favoured to clinch the ultimate prize at the ongoing Top Eight Masters Tennis Tournament taking place at the iconic Ikoyi Club 1938 have not disappointed so far.
It has been a cruise ride so to say for these top players as they have secured two wins in the first two games played in their respective round robin groups.
In the men’s category, Kalada Kienka, number two seed, defeated Akeem Mustafa 6/3, 6/3 on Tuesday night, Destiny Da Silva, the defending Champion and number 3 seed defeated Godwin Kienka 6/0, 6/4 to record his second win just as ladies number one seed, Mirella Eccli, recorded a comfortable 6/0,6/0 score against Effiong Ejehi while number 2 seed Lolia Kienka defeated Nene Lawani 6/0, 6/1.
Men’s top seed, Chiwete Njokanma was ruthless against Chinedu Idike as he cruised to victory with a 6/3, 6/3 margin.
Chairman of the Ikoyi Club Tennis section, Diran Famakinwa, said he was not surprised with the exploits of the top stars at the ongoing tournament.
“Those who came up with the top eight ranking have done a good job and so there could be upsets along the line but we have picked the best of the best for this tear ending tournament,” Famakinwa said.
The Top Eight Tennis Masters powered by Megamound continues today at the Tennis Courts of the Ikoyi Club 1938.
The swimming section of Ikoyi Club 1938 is set to host a year-ending competition for the young ones with over 200 participants already registered for the event.
Over 10 schools are expected to compete in the tournament sponsored by NNPC-SNEPCo to develop young swimmers and prepare them for future challenges.
The annual competition will take place on Saturday December 13 at the swimming pool section of the Ikoyi Club.
The Chairman of the Ikoyi Club Swimming Section, Akinbulejo Onabolu, told newsmen on Tuesday that all was set for the competition.
He said the sponsors, NNPC-SNEPCo, has been in good partnership with the swimming section of the elite club over the years.
“We are happy to have NNPC-SNEPCo as partners and the fact that the competition put smiles on the faces of the young ones delights us in the club. We are ready for the event.
“It has been an amazing year for us and I am looking forward to a very exciting competition in which the young ones will exhibit their talents on Saturday,” Onabolu said.
The competition will feature freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke, individual medley, butterfly and the relays among others.
According to the programme schedule, there will be a warm up session as early as 8am on Saturday while the competition proper stars at 9am.
“It will be a carnival of sort because it’s the season of Christmas already. We expect a good show from the competitors just as our members are also looking forward to have a great time come Saturday,” Onabolu added.
In a rare display of professional artistry, three golfers yesterday emerged winners in the ongoing 50th anniversary tournament of the Ikoyi Club 1938 Ladies’ Golf Section.
The winners who played a stableford format (29- 36 HCP) in the event which began on Tuesday included Tessy Okpalefe who scored 35 points, followed by Daisy Okocha with 33 points while the third position was clinched by Busela Joseph who had 31 points.
Speaking on their victories, the trio of Okpalefe, Okocha and Busela said they were excited, fulfilled over their performance; adding however, that it calls for more commitment, dedication and sacrifice to perfect their golfing skills, hoping to emerge winners, not only in this tournament, but other international competitions.
The three-day tournament which ends today, has about 130 participants spread across 11 countries, with Nigeria having dominant presence with golfers from IBB International Golf Club, Abuja, Port-Harcourt, Benin, Warri Golf Clubs, among others.
Earlier, a Masterclass was held for ladies interested in golfing.
According to Mrs. Yemi Afariogun, Head of Publicity Committee for the tournament, the “Masterclass, which is a form of lecture, entailed educating all those who are interested in playing golf and have registered for the session, on the language, rules, processes and techniques of playing the game.”
Tuesday’s kick off of the tournament was also preceded by a ‘Twilight Evening’; according to Mrs. Candy Agu, Past Ladies’ Captain of Ikoyi Club, The ‘Twilight Evening’ is “playing golf with fun under a relaxed setting before sun set”.
Other activities held earlier included a cocktail, networking and bonding interaction among the participants.
When Peggy Onwu, Lady Captain of the Ikoyi Club 1938 Ladies’ Golf Section, speaks about the upcoming 50th Ikoyi Ladies’ Open, she talks brand ambassadorship, foreign exchange and economic impact.
As the prestigious event gears up for its golden jubilee, attracting golfers from across 11 nations, this is more than a sporting fixture—it is a robust platform for Nigeria’s hospitality and cultural economy, poised to drive revenue and shift international perceptions.
The Ikoyi Ladies Open has long been a major draw on the continental golf circuit, but this 50th edition elevates its business significance.
“Ikoyi Ladies Open championship is a legacy event that often attracts talents mainly from African countries,” states Peggy Onwu. This year, the tournament is leveraging that legacy to dramatically increase its international footprint, focusing on what Onwu terms “growth, inclusion, sustainability and focus on biodiversity.”
This focus has successfully brought on board strategic partners—a mix of consistent supporters and new firms like Flutterwave, Terra Kulture, and Shea Origin—who recognize the event’s powerful consumer reach and sophisticated networking opportunities.
“Commendably too, our new partners have also aligned with our vision for growth, inclusion, sustainability and focus on biodiversity,” Onwu notes, highlighting the value proposition for corporate Nigeria.
The most compelling business angle of the tournament lies in its power to attract foreign exchange and bolster the local hospitality sector. With participants flying in from over ten countries, the immediate financial injection into Lagos is significant.
“Without gainsaying, Nigeria as a nation and its many businesses stand to gain a lot from the 50th anniversary tournament,” Annie Eimiakhena, Vice Lady Captain asserts.
As per tourism and cultural export, visitors, many on their first trip to Nigeria, represent invaluable, organic brand ambassadors.
Ugandan participant, Patricia Mbabazi, explicitly wrote: “I am hoping to experience the friendliness and cultural richness of Lagos… I am looking forward to the Arts, Afrobeat music and Nigeria’s local cuisine.” This direct interest translates into dollars spent on local services.
Secondly, there would also be hospitality revenue boost with the influx of international players and their entourages lead directly to increased patronage of hotel facilities and services, providing a crucial revenue boost to the hospitality sector, which has faced recent headwinds.
Equally, in focus is promotion of indigenous brands as the event consciously weaves Nigerian content into its activities, providing a platform for local entrepreneurs.
Brands like Adunni Ori and Shea Origin will demonstrate capacity, skill and promote Nigeria(ns) to a sophisticated international audience. From local cuisine like Amala to live bands and cultural tickets to the MUSON Centre (courtesy of Terra Kulture), the celebration acts as an economic showcase.
The famous “Twilight Event,” a signature prelude, further exemplifies this economic and social integration. It’s an evening where sponsors and golfers network, “boosting Lagos and Nigeria’s culture of warmth and hospitality,” according to Eimiakhena.
Beyond immediate economic gains, the tournament provides crucial exposure and inspiration for Nigeria’s emerging golf talent.
“The presence of global golfers during the tournament will be a booster to many who want to become professionals,” Fatumata Soukouna, Past Ladies Captain explains. She points to successful Nigerian golfers like Peter Akakasaka and the 20-year-old Georgia Oboh, who honed her skills at Ikoyi Club before winning international events. The tournament acts as a visible pathway from amateur aspiration to global professionalism.
The current administration, led by Peggy Onwu, views the 50th anniversary not just as a celebration of the past, but as a commitment to the future—a concept captured by their core theme: sustainability.
“Ikoyi Club is known for being a recreational and family-oriented group. We, therefore, prioritize sustainable practices and initiatives like… planting trees/nurseries, labelling trees, among others,” Onwu notes.
This focus extends beyond the environment into community engagement, with plans to provide seeds to local communities to encourage tree planting for “sustainable living.”
For Onwu and her committee, the event is deeply personal. “It is 50 years of resilience, commitment, growth… and it showcases maturity in our swing,” she reflects.
The golden jubilee is ultimately about laying down new “building blocks” for the lady golfers who will follow, ensuring the legacy continues to serve not just the sport, but the broader Nigerian economy.
As the unpredictable champions from 11 countries take to the fairways, the final score will not just be about par; it will be tallied in hotel bookings, cultural exports, and the successful promotion of Nigeria as an ideal destination for high-value sports tourism.
It was a night of pride, promise, and applause at Ikoyi Club 1938 at the weekend as young swimmers were celebrated for their exploits at the recently concluded National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State.
The reception, held at the club’s swimming section, brought together parents, family members, friends, and dignitaries, including Ikoyi Club Chairman, Akinwunmi Akintola, Director of Sports, Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Nunayon Olumide Travih (representing the Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission), and the Chairman of the Swimming Section and mentor to many of the athletes, Mr. Akinbulejo Onabolu.
Although the athletes officially represented different states including Ogun, Osun, etc at the games, they were all trained at Ikoyi Club, a hub that has quietly become Nigeria’s most consistent talent factory in swimming.
The victorious squad included Tireniolu Nedd, Folarin Azeez, Temidayo Adenubi, Imran Adenusi, Olutise Nedd, Maryam Muhammed, Aidan Dumuje-Abili, Tofunmi Ibidapo and Timilehin Olaiya, for Lagos State; Beatrice Ward for Osun; Omotara Erinle for Ogun; and Lucky Deekor David and Lucky-Deekor Barivure for Rivers State.
Their collective effort secured Lagos a commanding victory, underscoring the state’s dominance in grassroots swimming and its growing reputation as a breeding ground for national talent.
In his remarks, Mr. Travih hailed the swimmers’ discipline and resilience, while commending parents for entrusting their children to represent Lagos.
He also announced a new partnership between the Lagos State Sports Commission and the swimming section of Ikoyi Club to provide more structured training and platform for the athletes to compete internationally.
“This achievement is only the beginning,” Travih said. “We are committed to giving these young champions a platform to shine globally.”
For many in attendance, the event was not just about trophies but about nurturing Nigeria’s next generation of swimmers.
Onabolu, chairman of the section, noted that the team’s success reflected months of hard work, discipline, and sacrifice from the swimmers, coaches, sports sub-committee and the parents.
“With their victory in Asaba and renewed institutional backing, these young swimmers are now seen as more than Youth Games champions, they represent Nigeria’s future in competitive swimming,” he said.
The Ikoyi Club Ladies’ Golf Section in lkoyi, Lagos, has unveiled its 50th anniversary tournament logo. The theme of the 50th anniversary tournament which will hold between November 12 and 15 is: “Go Beyond – Golf and Golfing.”
It is mainly aimed at communicating the reach and impact of golf beyond the fairways on the course and into the fairways of life- preserving our environment, promoting biodiversity and creating a mind-set of positivity; healthy, self-regulated and disciplined.”
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony over the weekend , Mrs lyabo Attah, a pioneer member of the club and Past Ladies’ Captain, relived her experiences as a golfer, as well as the progressive metamorphosis the club and tournament have undergone in the last 50 years.
She further urged more women to take up golfing, adding, “It is my desire therefore, to see that more women have taken up the game of golf and also get their children / ward to also learn the sport.”
Similarly, the 2025 Ladies’ Captain, Mrs. Peggy Onwu said: “this unveiling of the Open tournament logo is a milestone, given that it is 50 years of commitment, skills development and building connections with ladies across Africa and beyond.”
Meanwhile, members of the 50th Anniversary Open Tournament Organising Committee, Rerhe Idonije and Yemi Afariogun, further amplified the significance of including secondary schools students in this prestigious milestone: “The students’ creativity and commitment not only enriched the process but also transformed the 50th anniversary logo unveiling into a defining moment; a golden swing powered by grit and grace.”
The Publisher of Business Day Newspapers, Mr. Frank Aigbogun, who chaired the logo design review, lauded the Ladies Ikoyi Club 1938 the Golf Section for the 50th tournament anniversary milestone.
He further stressed the significance and relevance of a women’s golf, adding: “You know, I’ve been around golf long enough, the landscape has changed dramatically, and much of that change started right here with pioneers like Mrs Iyabo Attah who refused to accept that golf was just a man’s game.”
“ The ladies who took part in this tournament 50 years ago – they weren’t just playing golf. They were making a statement. They were building something that would outlast them. And look around today – their vision has become reality”.
While echoing Price Waterhouse’s (PWC) role as partner of the Ladies Golf tournament, Mr. Femi Osinubi, Consulting and Risk Services Leader, said the initiative was in consonance with the accounting firm’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) which is aimed at not only promoting, but deepening gender equality and other environmentally friendly activities. He further disclosed that PWC was posed to continue to strengthen and expand its involvement in other women focussed initiatives and programmes in the eco system.
Meanwhile, a major highlight of the event was the logo design review ceremony Aigbogun commended the over 18 secondary schools in Lagos which participated in the logo design competition.
After the various student logo designers spoke on the uniqueness of their works, three schools emerged winners, namely; Wahab Folawiyo Senior High School (1st ); Greensprings Secondary School (2nd ); and Command Secondary School, Bonny Camp, finished third in the logo competition.
They were rewarded with ₦100, 000, ₦70, 000 and ₦50, 000 along with brand new computers respectively.
About 200 children from various schools in Lagos State will compete for laurels in 50 events as the second edition of the Captain Sam Phil-Ebosie Swimming Competition takes centre stage at Ikoyi Club 1938.
The competition is organized for primary and secondary school students in various Schools and clubs.
This is scheduled to hold on Saturday, June 14 2025, at the swimming section of Ikoyi Club Lagos.
Rev. Patrick Egbele, a member of the competition’s organising committee, said: “The Captain Sam Phil-Ebosie swimming competition for schools is designed to contribute to the development of competitive swimming in Nigeria, targeting children between the ages of seven to seventeen years old.’’
According to him, trophies will be awarded to the best-performing teams, based on the total number of points scored. The best overall male and female individual swimmers in the primary and secondary School categories will also receive prizes.
Captain Sam Phil-Ebosie, who died 10 years ago, was an accomplished swimmer and, in the 60s, represented his alma mater, King’s College, Lagos, in competitive swimming.
In its second edition, the swimming competition for schools is organized by friends and family of the late civil aviator to commemorate his passing.
Lindsay Nkiru Afolabi, daughter of Phil-Ebosie and a member of the organising committee, said: “My siblings and I are delighted that friends of our late father are honouring his legacy by promoting his passion for swimming through this competition.”
Chairman of the swimming section of Ikoyi Club, Akinbuleju Onabolu, told newsmen that all arrangements have been concluded for the event.
“Our technical team is set to host the young swimmers, and all participants will enjoy the event on Saturday,” Onabolu said.
Following the hugely successful 2024 maiden edition of the Africa Re Golf Tournament for CEOs, the highbrow golf section of Ikoyi Club 1938 is bracing up for the second edition of the leading pan African reinsurance company sponsored event.
The event which is already generating lots of interest within Ikoyi Club 1938 and the Nigeria insurance space is billed to hold on Friday, April 11th and expected to attract over 100 insurance and non-insurance industry executives.
Aimed at promoting the physical and mental well-being of the Nigerian insurance industry executives, the tournament also proffers a one stop shop networking opportunity for the participants.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, the Regional Director of Africa Reinsurance Corporation, Anglophone West Africa, Mrs. Temitope Akinowa affirmed that this year’s tournament theme of ‘Resilience In Every Swing’ aligns well with the corporation’s consistent excellent performance over the years despite difficult operating environments, thanks to the continuous immense support from our clients.
Established in 1976, Africa Re is currently owned by 42-member state of African Union (AU) and is ranked 38th in the 2024 list of Top 40 Global Reinsurance Groups and 14th in the 2024 list of Top 15 Global Reinsurance Groups by Standards and Poor’s and AM Best respectively. The Financial Strength and Credit Rating of Africa Re is A (Stable) by AM Best and A – (Positive) by Standard & Poor’s.
Lots of prizes have been slated to be won in different categories of the tournament. Former Managing Director of Cornerstone Insurance Plc, Jacob Erhabor is the tournament’s defending champion.
To emerge winner in the maiden edition, Erhabor grossed 40-stablepoints to win on count back.
Ikoyi Club pro Francis Epe, on Friday tore through the tree-lined fairway of Ikoyi Golf Course on his way to winning his second Ultimate Golf Challenge title
The competition featured 39-selected top golf professionals drawn from the PGA of Nigeria‘s Order of Merit list, USPGA and others from neighbouring countries.
To come tops in the 36-holes competition, Epe grossed a score of 6-under par 136, wining by two shots over hard fighting Vincent Torgah. He had shots an opening 3-under par 68, and a closing 3-under par 68 for 136-total to win the competition.
The second placed Ghanaian professional Torgah fought back in the second round with a resounding 4-under 67 but his efforts came to naught as Epe held his nerve winning on the course on which he hold the course record.
Patrick Paul also from Ikoyi club came third at 1-over par 143 over 36-holes. Gabriel Ejembi and Godwin Okoko were other top golfers who gave a good account of themselves.
Satisfied with the display by the golfers, Grand Patron of Ultimate Golf Challenge, Femi Pedro while thanking the organising committee for job well done said the need to grow professional golf in Nigeria and encourage the players’ necessitated the setting up of Ultimate Golf Challenge, the team will continue to work for the progress of professional golf in Nigeria.
He commended Polaris Bank, Cassava Microfinance, GTI, Mactay and GAC Motors for their support.
Chairman, Organising Committee of Akin Semowo said effort would be made to make the tournament better.
“It’s been awesome, especially with the support we’ve been getting. I am excited from what I have seen and I must say that the 36-holes we play in one-day is part of our plans to make the tournament unique”, Semowo said.
The swimming section of the prestigious Ikoyi Club 1938 is getting set for the first edition of Inter School Swimming competition sponsored by NNPC-SNEPCo
Primary school pupils and secondary school students are to take part in the competition billed to take place on November 16 at Ikoyi Club.
Arrangements for the competition have been in top gear since last month and the registration only ended at the weekend.
Events like freestyle, butterfly, breaststroke, backstroke and individual medley will be competed for in the developmental event.
Chairman of the Ikoyi Club Swimming section, Ikedichi Kanu, said all the officials of the tournament and club members are poised to give the young swimmers an enjoyable time on Saturday.
“We are always happy to have the young one around in our club because they will learn and we also have good facilities to help their exposure.
“In the past few weeks, our officials have been working on all we have to do for the event. We are happy with our sponsors as they partner with us to invest in the youth,” Kanu said.
There will be one hour warm up period for the young swimmers before the tournament proper starts on Saturday at Ikoyi Club Swimming Section.
