Gabriel recorded a gross score of 68 to finish ahead of 71 other professional golfers and claim the top prize of N2.5 million in the competition organised by the West Africa Masters Golf Foundation and powered by Kabom Golf Developers.
Emmanuel Odoh secured second place with a score of 69, while Azu Ijeoma also returned 69 to finish among the tournament’s leading players.
In the ladies’ category, Tina Micah took the top position after posting a gross score of 76, with Stephanie Dafor finishing runner up on 77.
The tournament featured a total prize purse of N13 million, with the organisers also unveiling a blue jacket as the official symbol of the championship. The distinctive jacket will be presented to the tournament winner in recognition of the achievement.
Speaking after his victory, Gabriel described the triumph as particularly rewarding, considering the quality of players who competed for the title.
He recalled participating in the maiden edition of the tournament in 2024 but admitted that he did not achieve the result he had hoped for at the time. He said returning for the second edition and emerging champion made the victory even more satisfying.
Chairman of the FCT Golf Association and tournament organiser, Akabom Enebong, explained that the competition was established to strengthen professional golf in the region while providing golfers with opportunities to earn from their talents.
Enebong disclosed that the initial prize money of N12 million was increased to N13 million following additional financial support from Dame Julie Donli, particularly to improve the rewards available to female professional golfers.
He also revealed that the organisers were working towards attracting international participants and securing a place for the competition on the professional golf calendar from next year.
The tournament organiser commended Otunba Rowland Adewumi for his continued investment in grassroots golf development, noting the importance of sustained support in discovering and nurturing young talents.
He further encouraged corporate organisations and individuals to invest in sports, stressing that such support could create employment opportunities, empower young people and contribute to the growth of the sporting industry.
The latest competition builds on the success of the inaugural West Africa Masters Golf Tournament, which was held at the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja in 2024.
